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.

The law that compelled the DOJ to release its files was co-sponsored by Massie and ultimately signed by US President Donald Trump late last year.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 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

Late last month, OpenAI said that its current security protocols would have compelled the company to notify Canadian police about Van Rootselaar's account.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

Apparently, the sustained and coordinated effort they required could be compelled only by the authority of religious faith—a faith that almost literally demanded the moving of mountains.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

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