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.

He and Rev Ielpo had been "compelled" to turn back from the church, where Christ was also believed to have been buried and subsequently resurrected, it said.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Guthrie told Kotb in a segment of their “Today” interview that she feels compelled to return because she considers the people she works with as family.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

At the Oscars, producers were compelled to reassure the public that the red carpet would be secure for Sunday’s festivities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Even several European leaders, who had hoped to stay out of this war, felt compelled to send planes and warships, if just to defend their own interests and outposts.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

“I am compelled to lend it to my uncle,” he replied shortly.

From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck

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