Here's why:
* Compulsion refers to an irresistible urge to perform a particular action, often repetitively, in order to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. This outcome might be irrational or unlikely, but the compulsion feels necessary to avoid it.
For example, someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder might have a compulsion to wash their hands repeatedly because they fear contamination, even if the risk is minimal.
Here are some other words that might be relevant, depending on the specific context:
* Obsession: A persistent, intrusive thought or image that causes distress and is difficult to control.
* Anxiety: A feeling of unease, worry, or nervousness, often about an uncertain event.
* Phobia: An extreme and irrational fear of a specific object or situation.
Let me know if you have more questions!