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
Synonym Usage
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
Derived Forms
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compellinglyadverb
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compellentadjective
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compellableadjective
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uncompellableadjective
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compellernoun
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precompelverb (used with object)
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compellablyadverb
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have compelledperfect
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has compelledperfect 3rd person singular
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is compellingprogressive 3rd person singular
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am compellingprogressive 1st person singular
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has been compellingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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are compellingprogressive
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compelssingular 3rd person
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have been compellingperfect progressive
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compellingparticiple
Past
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had compelledperfect
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had been compellingperfect progressive
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compelledparticiple
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compelledsimple
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was compellingprogressive singular
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were compellingprogressive plural
Future
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”
Explanation
Compel means to force or drive someone to do something. Even if you don't like toast, when you visit the toast-eating natives of Shrintakook Island, you'll be compelled to eat it, or they will not trust you. You don't want to be compelled to go to a classical music concert if you'd rather listen to rap. School officials might be upset if a winter storm compels them to cancel classes, but you'd be okay with that. A compelling mystery forces you to pay attention because you want to find out "whodunit."
Vocabulary lists containing compel
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 1–6
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The Bill of Rights
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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.
The Order denying the Motion to Compel makes clear that the government’s accusations were baseless and that Angels Baseball acted properly and lawfully.”
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2021
“In view of the parties’ comprehensive briefing concerning 109 Defendant’s Motion to Compel Production of Brady Material, the Court cancels the motion hearing previously scheduled for November 7, 2019,” Sullivan wrote Monday.
From Fox News • Oct. 29, 2019
But now I feel That duty, honor, manly sentiment Compel me to the side of Isabelle.
From Godey's Lady's Book, Vol. XLII., May 1851 by Various
Compel me not to a measure from which my whole heart revolts.
From The Vale of Cedars by Aguilar, Grace
Forever, flint-like, set thy face Against the loss of self-control; Compel the world to keep its place; Be thou the captain of thy soul!
From Poems by Stoddard, John L. (John Lawson)
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.
