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.
Ms. Eubanks was compelled to assume the role of rescuer, both because she loved him and because there was nobody else to fill the position.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
Lillian Carranza said she understood why Flores “might feel compelled to gather evidence to substantiate serious allegations,” given how the department has handled past whistleblower cases.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026
You cannot be compelled to serve as an executor, even if you’re named in someone’s will.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 7, 2026
So in effect, once the body has been heavier, the brain comes to treat that higher weight as the new normal – a level it feels compelled to defend.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026
Or maybe you didn’t feel as compelled to have a career or follow your passions in Iran.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
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.
