compel
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to use force.
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to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.
verb
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to cause (someone) by force (to be or do something)
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to obtain by force; exact
to compel obedience
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to overpower or subdue
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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.
“I fully expect the expansion of TK in California to compel parents to confront that decision earlier — it’s free and in their community,” said Dee, acknowledging how expensive child care can be.
From Los Angeles Times
"A review does not carry the same powers to compel evidence, to test that evidence in public, or to deliver full transparency and accountability."
From BBC
Signed on a one-year deal at the start of the season, he could not have made a much more compelling play to stay part of the Red Bull project for the longer term.
From BBC
The Arab states worked with the Soviet Union regardless, until the loss of several wars with Israel compelled Cairo and others to re-evaluate.
The theme of underdogs fighting back against powerful characters was compelling for 1930s audiences, and the same thread runs through other genres.
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.
