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compel
[ kuhm-pel ]
verb (used with object)
- to force or drive, especially to a course of action:
His disregard of the rules compels us to dismiss him.
- to secure or bring about by force.
- to force to submit; subdue.
- to overpower.
- Archaic. to drive together; unite by force; herd.
verb (used without object)
- to use force.
- to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.
compel
/ kəmˈpɛl /
verb
- to cause (someone) by force (to be or do something)
- to obtain by force; exact
to compel obedience
- to overpower or subdue
- archaic.to herd or drive together
Derived Forms
- comˈpeller, noun
- comˈpellable, adjective
- comˈpellably, adverb
Other Words From
- com·pel·la·ble adjective
- com·pel·la·bly adverb
- com·pel·lent adjective
- com·pel·ler noun
- com·pel·ling·ly adverb
- pre·com·pel verb (used with object) precompelled precompelling
- un·com·pel·la·ble adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of compel1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
Finally, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who had instructed his organization not to play the national anthem before home games at the start of the season, was compelled by the league office to reverse course.
That compelled the Lions to ensure there was a trade agreement in place by then.
So you end up with a system that everyone knows is flawed but feels compelled to use anyway.
There also was something that really compelled us about her withholding a memory from herself that was too chaotic for her admit to herself—and that finally flooding back to her in her final moments.
“The need to protect the honor of this body compelled me to proceed,” Bell said.
It is “an act of force to compel our enemy to do our will” by spilling blood, and lots of it.
And the truth that language changes over time does not compel us to endorse any particular change.
Which brings us to the images that compel our attention today.
“The government cannot compel a nonbeliever to take an oath that affirms the existence of a supreme being,” Miller added.
Owen will have the power to compel the production of witnesses and documents from the British security and intelligence services.
They will try to compel you to confession; and, though you are blameless, you will suffer the cruelest ordeal of transgression.
If there had been a loss, something like that amount, then the courts would compel him to pay.
B could compel him to do so, and the expense must be borne by A because his deed of warranty required him to give a clear title.
Oppressive laws compel me to pay a portion of my hard earnings to support them in their pride and indolence.
A defective acknowledgment by a married woman is worthless, nor will any court compel her to make another one.
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