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View synonyms for compel

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • compellable adjective
  • compellably adverb
  • compellent adjective
  • compeller noun
  • compellingly adverb
  • precompel verb (used with object)
  • uncompellable adjective
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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”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of compel1

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

And I understand why many patriots on our side find this compelling, because it is certainly true that terrorists just like those who struck on Oct.

Chamber of Commerce and other business groups argues that the mandated climate disclosures violate the First Amendment by compelling business to speak on an intensely controversial subject.

That agreement, signed by a Boring executive in 2022, was intended to compel the company to comply with state water pollution laws.

Read more on Salon

“Those capable of looking past short-term market noise may find compelling opportunities to establish or add to positions during temporary pullbacks.”

Read more on MarketWatch

The senator’s bill, the Faster Labor Contracts Act, ill-advisedly proposes that a government agency, via compelled arbitration, should impose labor contracts on employers who fail to reach prompt agreements with the union.

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