compelled
Americanadjective
-
secured or brought about by force.
Statements made in a compelled interview may not be used in a criminal proceeding.
-
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
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of compelled
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.
He said he felt compelled to raise the issue because he saw a lot of children and pregnant women at the restaurant.
From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026
Yet she felt compelled to keep that passion hidden.
From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026
Because another appeals court ruled against Kalshi, the justices may feel compelled to resolve the dispute in the coming months.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
But I did, because I was compelled to follow a problem.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2026
“Enchanted coins,” said Malfoy, as though he was compelled to keep talking, though his wand hand was shaking badly.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.