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

He makes this soiled soul so compelling that the audience is struck by a hunger to know how he got here, and where, if anywhere, he might go next.

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But never has it been told better than by Mr. Bacon in this colorful and compelling book.

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A prolonged shutdown, as expected by traders in prediction markets, may compel the Federal Reserve to make its interest-rate decision in October with limited information.

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The companies said the digitized windows will be compelling to consumers, especially Gen Z travelers who are more technologically savvy.

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The judges ruled that “compelling and coherent evidence,” including a videotape in which Abd-Al-Rahman says he is Ali Kushayb, showed that he was the militia leader in question.

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Related Words

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