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.
In Meacham’s view, “the most compelling aspects” of the study results were the successful transition to a monthly dosing schedule, continued weight-loss trajectory, and around five total discontinuations out of around 100 trial participants.
From Barron's
CEOs should also prepare for shifts in regulation and requests from the administration to help support its priorities, which might also compel business model changes.
From Barron's
The council insisted its plans would raise extra revenue and that it would listen to compelling arguments for why some car parks should be exempt from charges.
From BBC
“Value companies can improve their profitability and margin profile using the productivity gains from AI, creating compelling long-term opportunities beyond the typical growth narrative.”
From Barron's
She’s not wrong, although the most compelling thing about that moment is witnessing how exceedingly agreeable everyone is in her orbit.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
