Impulse vs. Compulsion: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Comparison Chart
ADVERTISEMENT
Grammar
Standalone or with light adjectives
Often paired with intense or psychological adjectives
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Impulse and Compulsion Definitions
Impulse
A sudden urge to do something.
On impulse, she bought a lottery ticket.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Compulsion
A strong, often irresistible urge to perform an action.
Her compulsion to clean made her vacuum daily.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
Impulse
Spontaneous desire without deliberation.
The impulse to dance took over him.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Compulsion
An emotional force driving repeated behavior.
His compulsion to check the door was exhausting.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Compulsion
An obsessive need rooted in anxiety or fear.
The compulsion to wash hands stemmed from germophobia.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Compulsion
A psychological imperative to act in a specific manner.
The compulsion to be perfect led to burnout.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Compulsion
An overwhelming desire dictating behavior.
A compulsion to confess made him reveal the secret.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Impulse
A motivating force or tendency
"Respect for the liberty of others is not a natural impulse in most men" (Bertrand Russell).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Compulsion
(Psychiatry) An act or ritual that a person feels compelled to perform repeatedly, often to reduce the distress caused by an obsession.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Compulsion
The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Impulse
Characterized by impulsiveness or acting on impulse
An impulse shopper.
Impulse buying.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Compulsion
An urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Impulse
(physics) The integral of force over time.
The total impulse from the impact will depend on the kinetic energy of the projectile.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Compulsion
An irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions against your will
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Impulse
The effect of an impelling force; motion produced by a sudden or momentary force.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Impulse
The electrical discharge that travels along a nerve fiber;
They demonstrated the transmission of impulses from the cortex to the hypothalamus
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Impulse
An impelling force or strength;
The car's momentum carried it off the road
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Impulse
A brief motive without deeper thought.
The impulse to laugh was too strong to resist.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
FAQs
What is a Compulsion?
Compulsion is a strong, often irresistible urge rooted in psychological factors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
How do Impulse and Compulsion differ?
Impulse is usually momentary and less intense, while compulsion is enduring and psychologically rooted.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can you control a Compulsion?
It's harder to control due to its psychological nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Which term is more psychologically intense?
Compulsion is generally more psychologically intense than impulse.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Is Impulse always negative?
No, impulses can be neutral or even positive, like an impulse to compliment someone.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
What is an Impulse?
Impulse is a sudden, spontaneous urge to perform an action.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
What's the grammatical difference between the two?
Impulse is often standalone, while compulsion frequently pairs with intense adjectives.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Is Compulsion always rooted in psychological issues?
Generally, yes; it often has an emotional or psychological basis.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
What triggers an Impulse?
Immediate stimuli or a sudden desire usually trigger impulses.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Can you control an Impulse?
Usually, as impulses are often fleeting and less overpowering.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Can Impulse become a Compulsion?
It's possible if a repeated impulse is influenced by psychological factors.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
What triggers a Compulsion?
Anxiety, fear, or emotional states often trigger compulsions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Is Compulsion long-lasting?
It can be enduring, driven by deep-rooted psychological factors.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Is Compulsion related to mental health?
Often, as it may indicate underlying emotional or psychological issues.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
