Definitions:

1. an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will noun
   • They had a compulsion to wash their hands after touching anything.
2. an urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid noun
   • I felt a compulsion to babble on about the accident.
3. using force to cause something to occur noun
   • though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game

Synonyms:

• coercion
• obsession