compel

[ kuhm-pel ]

verb (used with object)

, com·pelled, com·pel·ling.

1. to force or drive, especially to a course of action:

   His disregard of the rules compels us to dismiss him.

   Synonyms: coerce, oblige, constrain

2. to secure or bring about by force.
3. to force to submit; subdue.

   Synonyms: bend, overpower

4. to overpower.
5. Archaic. to drive together; unite by force; herd.

verb (used without object)

, com·pelled, com·pel·ling.

1. to use force.
2. to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.

compel

/ kəmˈpɛl /

verb

1. to cause (someone) by force (to be or do something)
2. to obtain by force; exact

   to compel obedience

3. to overpower or subdue
4. archaic.
   to herd or drive together

Derived Forms

• comˈpeller, noun
• comˈpellable, adjective
• comˈpellably, adverb

Other Words From

• com·pel·la·ble adjective
• com·pel·la·bly adverb
• com·pel·lent adjective
• com·pel·ler noun
• com·pel·ling·ly adverb
• pre·com·pel verb (used with object) precompelled precompelling
• un·com·pel·la·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compel¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English compellen, from Anglo-French or directly from Latin compellere “to crowd, force,” equivalent to com- com- + pellere “to push, drive”

Word History and Origins

Origin of compel¹

C14: from Latin compellere to drive together, from com- together + pellere to drive

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Police have blocked off entrances and exits in an effort to compel the miners to come out.

From BBC

At least that’s what happened Tuesday in La Crescenta, where multiple law enforcement and wildlife personnel spent the afternoon monitoring a bear cub hanging out in a tree in front of Crescenta Valley High School, powerless to compel the creature to go home.

From Los Angeles Times

Sources in Trump’s entourage say that he is likely to restart the “maximum pressure” policy of his first term—though that had little effect except to compel the Iranians to restart their nuclear program, which they had begun to dismantle.

From Slate

During the Biden administration, federal water managers seemed reluctant to compel the states that rely on the river to develop plans for dramatically cutting water use.

From Los Angeles Times

Led by the former high court judge, Sir Brian Langstaff, it had the power to compel witnesses to give evidence under oath and order the release of documents.

From BBC

Related Words

• constrain
• enforce
• exact
• impel
• necessitate
• oblige
• urge