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

The BBC's own review praised her "spectacular vocal command" and "compelling stage presence", but that the Pyramid Stage had been the "wrong venue".

From BBC

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

From BBC

Perhaps more than an actor raised outside of Belfast, Petticrew was able to understand on a visceral level what compelled Dolours to commit acts of terrorism.

From Los Angeles Times

Once the officer found the outstanding warrant, he cuffed Nelly’s hands behind his back and, Rosenblum said, “felt compelled” to “parade him through the casino in front of other customers.”

From Los Angeles Times

"No one should be compelled, for example, to take part in assisted dying if they've got moral or ethical objections as clinicians. That certainly would be one of my red lines".

From BBC

Related Words

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