compelling
[ kuh m-pel-ing ]
/ kəmˈpɛl ɪŋ /
adjective
tending to compel, as to force or push toward a course of action; overpowering: There were compelling reasons for their divorce.
having a powerful and irresistible effect; requiring acute admiration, attention, or respect: a man of compelling integrity; a compelling drama.
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RELATED WORDS
Nearby words
compañia, compd., compeer, compel, compellation, compelling, compendious, compendium, compensable, compensate, compensated acidosis
Related forms
un·com·pel·ling, adjectiveDefinition for compelling (2 of 2)
compel
[ kuhm-pel ]
/ kəmˈpɛl /
verb (used with object), com·pelled, com·pel·ling.
verb (used without object), com·pelled, com·pel·ling.
to use force.
to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.
Origin of compel
1350–1400; Middle English compellen (< Anglo-French) < Latin compellere to crowd, force, equivalent to com- com- + pellere to push, drive
Related forms
Can be confused
coerce compel constrain force obligecompel impel (see synonym study at the current entry)Synonym study
3. Compel, impel agree in the idea of using physical or other force to cause something to be done. Compel means to constrain someone, in some way, to yield or to do what one wishes: to compel a recalcitrant debtor to pay; Fate compels us to face danger and trouble. Impel may mean literally to push forward, but is usually applied figuratively, meaning to provide a strong motive or incentive toward a certain end: Wind impels a ship. Curiosity impels me to ask.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for compelling
British Dictionary definitions for compelling (1 of 2)
compelling
/ (kəmˈpɛlɪŋ) /
adjective
arousing or denoting strong interest, esp admiring interest
(of an argument, evidence, etc) convincing
British Dictionary definitions for compelling (2 of 2)
compel
/ (kəmˈpɛl) /
verb -pels, -pelling or -pelled (tr)
to cause (someone) by force (to be or do something)
to obtain by force; exactto compel obedience
to overpower or subdue
archaic to herd or drive together
Derived Forms
compellable, adjectivecompellably, adverbcompeller, nounWord Origin for compel
C14: from Latin compellere to drive together, from com- together + pellere to drive
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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