compel
verb (used with object)
to force or drive, especially to a course of action.
had compelled
-
past perfectof compel.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
The FTC alleges in that litigation that Amazon had compelled sellers to use the company’s logistics service if they wanted their goods to be eligible for Amazon Prime shipping.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2025
While Ben-Gvir did not take responsibility for threatening O’Connor, he told Israeli radio that his efforts had compelled her to drop out.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 27, 2023
Out poured the story of suffering that had compelled her to seek a way, any way, off the island, and its grinding shortages of food, medicine and other basics.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 21, 2022
Sitting Bull explained to Fletcher that desperate hunger had compelled him to surrender three months prior.
From Slate ● Oct. 25, 2021
He remembered how once, as a youth, he had compelled his father to let him go and join the ascetics, how he had taken leave of him, how he had gone and never returned.
From "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse
