compelled

American

[kuhm-peld] / kəmˈpɛld /

adjective

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

the simple past tense and past participle of compel.

Other Word Forms

uncompelled adjective

Etymology

Origin of compelled

compel ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

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.

In a scathing order, Nunley laid out why he was compelled to take such a rare step.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

In October 1905, after Russia had suffered a humiliating military defeat to Japan, Nicholas was compelled to sign a constitutional manifesto that overturned political life in the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

But when our philosophy and approach aren’t understood or are flatly rejected, we feel compelled to go public with our activism.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

My bet is that Melania has been nursing a weird grudge about all this and simply felt compelled to say something.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

And another came during the evening, so that they were compelled to study with their nerves being plucked like banjo strings.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023