compelled

[kuhm-peld]

adjective

1. secured or brought about by force.

   Statements made in a compelled interview may not be used in a criminal proceeding.

2. forced or driven to a particular course of action, often by an irresistible internal urge.

   I haven't felt so compelled to learn as much as I can about something since my fascination with Slavic folk music!

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of compel.

Other Word Forms

• uncompelled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compelled¹

compel ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

He felt compelled to do so after taking part in one of Tommy Robinson's rallies in September.

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He’s compelled his Justice Department to indict current and former officials who dared to hold him legally accountable for some of his wrongdoings.

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She also felt compelled to honor those she had lost, especially at their young age.

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“Actually, there have been many famous lady pirates,” Penelope felt compelled to say.

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Last week he was compelled to roll back duties on more than 200 agricultural products, including coffee and beef, because they were proving counterproductive.

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Related Words

• afraid 
• averse 
• evasive 
• forced 
• loath 
• reluctant 
• resistant 
• unenthusiastic