What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Impulsive vs Compulsion - What's the difference?

impulsive | compulsion |

As nouns the difference between impulsive and compulsion

is that impulsive is that which impels or gives an impulse; an impelling agent while compulsion is obsession.

As an adjective impulsive

is having the power of driving or impelling; giving an impulse; moving; impellent.

impulsive

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having the power of driving or impelling; giving an impulse; moving; impellent.
  • * Prior
  • Poor men! poor papers! We and they / Do some impulsive force obey.
  • Actuated by impulse or by transient feelings; inclined to make rapid decisions without due consideration.
  • * Longfellow
  • my heart, impulsive and wayward
  • (mechanics) Acting momentarily, or by impulse; not continuous – said of forces.
  • References

    * *

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • That which impels or gives an impulse; an impelling agent.
  • One whose behaviour or personality is characterized by being impulsive.
  • ----

    compulsion

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An irrational need to perform some action, often despite negative consequences.
  • *{{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-07, author=David Simpson
  • , volume=188, issue=26, page=36, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Fantasy of navigation , passage=It is tempting to speculate about the incentives or compulsions that might explain why anyone would take to the skies in [the] basket [of a balloon]: perhaps out of a desire to escape the gravity of this world or to get a preview of the next; […].}}
  • The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.
  • The lawful use of violence (i.e. by the administration).