Impulse vs. Compulsion: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on October 5, 2023
Impulse is a sudden urge to do something without premeditation. Compulsion is a strong, often irresistible urge to perform an act, usually driven by psychological factors.
Key Differences
Impulse and compulsion are both related to behavioral psychology, but they are not synonymous. Impulse is often a sudden, spontaneous urge to do something. These urges can be momentary and may not have a profound psychological basis. Compulsion, on the other hand, is a more enduring and often irresistible urge to perform a specific act, frequently rooted in a psychological condition or emotional state.
When one acts on impulse, the action is often short-lived and might be a reaction to immediate stimuli. For example, grabbing a candy bar at the checkout counter is an impulsive act. Compulsion, however, generally involves a level of obsession or anxiety that drives the action. For instance, compulsively washing hands due to fear of germs reflects deeper psychological triggers.
Grammatically, both impulse and compulsion function as nouns. While impulse is often used as a standalone term ("an impulse to run"), compulsion is frequently seen with qualifying words like "obsessive" or "irresistible" to specify its intensity or psychological roots. Impulse may pair with lighter adjectives like "sudden" or "brief."
In summary, while both impulse and compulsion describe urges that lead to actions, impulse is usually a fleeting urge without a deep-rooted psychological basis. Compulsion, in contrast, is often an overpowering need that has a psychological or emotional underpinning, compelling the individual to act.
Comparison Chart
Duration
Usually short-lived
More enduring
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Psychological Root
Rarely
Often
Intensity
Generally less intense
Generally more intense
Grammar
Standalone or with light adjectives
Often paired with intense or psychological adjectives
Examples
Spontaneous acts
Repeated or obsessive acts
Impulse and Compulsion Definitions
Impulse
A sudden urge to do something.
On impulse, she bought a lottery ticket.
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Compulsion
A strong, often irresistible urge to perform an action.
Her compulsion to clean made her vacuum daily.
Impulse
Spontaneous desire without deliberation.
The impulse to dance took over him.
Compulsion
An emotional force driving repeated behavior.
His compulsion to check the door was exhausting.
Impulse
A momentary driving force.
His impulse to help was immediate.
Compulsion
An obsessive need rooted in anxiety or fear.
The compulsion to wash hands stemmed from germophobia.
Impulse
A quick emotional response.
He sent the message on an angry impulse.
Compulsion
A psychological imperative to act in a specific manner.
The compulsion to be perfect led to burnout.
Impulse
An impelling force; an impetus.
Compulsion
An overwhelming desire dictating behavior.
A compulsion to confess made him reveal the secret.
Impulse
The motion produced by such a force.
Compulsion
The act of compelling.
Impulse
A sudden wish or urge that prompts an unpremeditated act or feeling; an abrupt inclination
Had an impulse to run away.
An impulse of regret that made me hesitate.
Bought a hat on impulse.
Compulsion
The state of being compelled.
Impulse
A motivating force or tendency
"Respect for the liberty of others is not a natural impulse in most men" (Bertrand Russell).
Compulsion
An irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationality of the motivation
"He felt an animal compulsion to flee the hotel and the city" (Paul Theroux).
Impulse
(Electronics) A surge of electrical power in one direction.
Compulsion
(Psychiatry) An act or ritual that a person feels compelled to perform repeatedly, often to reduce the distress caused by an obsession.
Impulse
(Physics) The product obtained by multiplying the average value of a force by the time during which it acts. The impulse equals the change in momentum produced by the force in this time interval.
Compulsion
An irrational need or irresistible urge to perform some action, often despite negative consequences.
During the basketball game, I had a sudden compulsion to have a smoke.
Impulse
(Physiology) The electrochemical transmission of a signal along a nerve fiber that produces an excitatory or inhibitory response at a target tissue, such as a muscle or another nerve.
Compulsion
The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.
Impulse
Characterized by impulsiveness or acting on impulse
An impulse shopper.
Impulse buying.
Compulsion
The lawful use of violence (i.e. by the administration).
Impulse
A thrust; a push; a sudden force that impels.
Compulsion
The act of compelling, or the state of being compelled; the act of driving or urging by force or by physical or moral constraint; subjection to force.
If reasons were as plentiful as blackberries, I would give no man a reason upon compulsion.
With what compulsion and laborious flightWe sunk thus low.
Impulse
A wish or urge, particularly a sudden one prompting action.
The impulse to learn drove me to study night and day.
When I saw the new book, I couldn't resist the impulse to browse through it.
Compulsion
An urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid
Impulse
(physics) The integral of force over time.
The total impulse from the impact will depend on the kinetic energy of the projectile.
Compulsion
An irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions against your will
Impulse
(transitive) To impel; to incite.
Compulsion
Using force to cause something;
Though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game
They didn`t have to use coercion
Impulse
The act of impelling, or driving onward with sudden force; impulsion; especially, force so communicated as to produced motion suddenly, or immediately.
All spontaneous animal motion is performed by mechanical impulse.
Impulse
The effect of an impelling force; motion produced by a sudden or momentary force.
Impulse
The action of a force during a very small interval of time; the effect of such action; as, the impulse of a sudden blow upon a hard elastic body.
Impulse
A mental force which simply and directly urges to action; hasty inclination; sudden motive; momentary or transient influence of appetite or passion; propension; incitement; as, a man of good impulses; passion often gives a violent impulse to the will; to buy something on impulse.
These were my natural impulses for the undertaking.
Impulse
To impel; to incite.
Impulse
An instinctive motive;
Profound religious impulses
Impulse
A sudden desire;
He bought it on an impulse
Impulse
The electrical discharge that travels along a nerve fiber;
They demonstrated the transmission of impulses from the cortex to the hypothalamus
Impulse
(electronics) a sharp transient wave in the normal electrical state (or a series of such transients);
The pulsations seemed to be coming from a star
Impulse
The act of applying force suddenly;
The impulse knocked him over
Impulse
An impelling force or strength;
The car's momentum carried it off the road
Impulse
A brief motive without deeper thought.
The impulse to laugh was too strong to resist.
FAQs
What is a Compulsion?
Compulsion is a strong, often irresistible urge rooted in psychological factors.
How do Impulse and Compulsion differ?
Impulse is usually momentary and less intense, while compulsion is enduring and psychologically rooted.
Can you control a Compulsion?
It's harder to control due to its psychological nature.
Which term is more psychologically intense?
Compulsion is generally more psychologically intense than impulse.
Is Impulse always negative?
No, impulses can be neutral or even positive, like an impulse to compliment someone.
What is an Impulse?
Impulse is a sudden, spontaneous urge to perform an action.
What's the grammatical difference between the two?
Impulse is often standalone, while compulsion frequently pairs with intense adjectives.
Is Compulsion always rooted in psychological issues?
Generally, yes; it often has an emotional or psychological basis.
Is Impulse short-lived?
Generally, yes; it's often a momentary urge.
What triggers an Impulse?
Immediate stimuli or a sudden desire usually trigger impulses.
Can you control an Impulse?
Usually, as impulses are often fleeting and less overpowering.
Can Impulse become a Compulsion?
It's possible if a repeated impulse is influenced by psychological factors.
What triggers a Compulsion?
Anxiety, fear, or emotional states often trigger compulsions.
Is Compulsion long-lasting?
It can be enduring, driven by deep-rooted psychological factors.
Is Compulsion related to mental health?
Often, as it may indicate underlying emotional or psychological issues.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
