compel

[kuhm-pel]

verb (used with object)

compelled, compelling 

1. to force or drive, especially to a course of action.

   His disregard of the rules compels us to dismiss him.

   Synonyms: coerce, oblige, constrain

2. to secure or bring about by force.

3. to force to submit; subdue.

   Synonyms: bend, overpower

4. to overpower.

5. Archaic.,  to drive together; unite by force; herd.

verb (used without object)

compelled, compelling 

1. to use force.

2. to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.

compel

/ kəmˈpɛl /

verb

1. to cause (someone) by force (to be or do something)

2. to obtain by force; exact

   to compel obedience

3. to overpower or subdue

4. archaic,  to herd or drive together

Other Word Forms

• compellable adjective
• compellably adverb
• compellent adjective
• compeller noun
• compellingly adverb
• precompel verb (used with object)
• uncompellable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compel¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of compel¹

C14: from Latin compellere to drive together, from com- together + pellere to drive

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Mike goes through several ups and downs as he tries to get back on his feet after a stint in prison — a journey that compelled Dickinson when he began writing the screenplay in 2019.

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It’s a compelling launch, even if the spotty show that unfolds in the next several rooms falls apart.

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Now they are using AI to create a new wave of ads that are more convincing, compelling and local.

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The organization says the legal challenge aims to “compel compliance” from the FBI and DOJ to release the purported recording of Homan accepting $50,000 from undercover FBI agents in Sept. 2024.

Read more on Salon

This is the kind of thriller that invites you into a gilded empyrean that compels you and repels you in equal measure.

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Related Words

• constrain 
• enforce 
• exact 
• impel 
• necessitate 
• oblige 
• urge