compel
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to use force.
-
to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.
verb
-
to cause (someone) by force (to be or do something)
-
to obtain by force; exact
to compel obedience
-
to overpower or subdue
-
archaic to herd or drive together
Related Words
Compel, impel agree in the idea of using physical or other force to cause something to be done. Compel means to constrain someone, in some way, to yield or to do what one wishes: to compel a recalcitrant debtor to pay; Fate compels us to face danger and trouble. Impel may mean literally to push forward, but is usually applied figuratively, meaning to provide a strong motive or incentive toward a certain end: Wind impels a ship. Curiosity impels me to ask.
Other Word Forms
- compellable adjective
- compellably adverb
- compellent adjective
- compeller noun
- compellingly adverb
- precompel verb (used with object)
- uncompellable adjective
Etymology
Origin of compel
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English compellen, from Anglo-French or directly from Latin compellere “to crowd, force,” equivalent to com- com- + pellere “to push, drive”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Siddiq was not compelled to return to Dhaka for the trial despite authorities there issuing an arrest warrant.
From BBC
It’s an unfortunate talent that has profound power in the era of social media, where the ability to perform often compels people far more than facts.
From Salon
Siddiq was not compelled by authorities to return to Dhaka for the trial despite authorities there issuing an arrest warrant.
From BBC
A New York appellate court upheld a surrogate court’s decision to compel the DNA test in July.
A top executive of a food company used to hosting lavish parties in his central London penthouse, it was feeling unhappy about his appearance that compelled him to act.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
