compel
[ kuhm-pel ]
/ kəmˈpɛl /
verb (used with object), com·pelled, com·pel·ling.
verb (used without object), com·pelled, com·pel·ling.
to use force.
to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.
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Origin of compel
1350–1400; Middle English compellen (<Anglo-French ) <Latin compellere to crowd, force, equivalent to com-com- + pellere to push, drive
synonym study for compel
3. 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 WORDS FROM compel
Words nearby compel
compatible, compatriot, Compazine, compd., compeer, compel, compellation, compelling, compendious, compendium, compensable
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for compel
British Dictionary definitions for compel
compel
/ (kəmˈpɛl) /
verb -pels, -pelling or -pelled (tr)
to cause (someone) by force (to be or do something)
to obtain by force; exactto compel obedience
to overpower or subdue
archaic to herd or drive together
Derived forms of compel
compellable, adjectivecompellably, adverbcompeller, nounWord Origin for compel
C14: from Latin compellere to drive together, from com- together + pellere to drive
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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