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.

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

Sharp said she’s been compelled to put so many hours into this work because she feels a responsibility to do so for the future health of her young daughter and husband.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

In a post-coup period of emergency rule, Min Aung Hlaing served as both commander-in-chief of the armed forces and acting president, but to become permanent president he is constitutionally compelled to relinquish his military post.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Similarly, the warmer temperatures have compelled outdoor enthusiasts to hit the trails, increasing the odds of a run-in with the serpents.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

After his hike he said: “I never enjoyed the hiking part. It was something I felt compelled to do. It wasn’t my choice.”

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

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