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
• comˈpellably, adverb
• comˈpellable, adjective

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

Finally, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who had instructed his organization not to play the national anthem before home games at the start of the season, was compelled by the league office to reverse course.

From Washington Post

That compelled the Lions to ensure there was a trade agreement in place by then.

From Washington Post

So you end up with a system that everyone knows is flawed but feels compelled to use anyway.

From Outside Online

There also was something that really compelled us about her withholding a memory from herself that was too chaotic for her admit to herself—and that finally flooding back to her in her final moments.

From Time

“The need to protect the honor of this body compelled me to proceed,” Bell said.

From Washington Post

It is “an act of force to compel our enemy to do our will” by spilling blood, and lots of it.

From The Daily Beast

And the truth that language changes over time does not compel us to endorse any particular change.

From The Daily Beast

Which brings us to the images that compel our attention today.

From The Daily Beast

“The government cannot compel a nonbeliever to take an oath that affirms the existence of a supreme being,” Miller added.

From The Daily Beast

Owen will have the power to compel the production of witnesses and documents from the British security and intelligence services.

From The Daily Beast

They will try to compel you to confession; and, though you are blameless, you will suffer the cruelest ordeal of transgression.

From Project Gutenberg

If there had been a loss, something like that amount, then the courts would compel him to pay.

From Project Gutenberg

B could compel him to do so, and the expense must be borne by A because his deed of warranty required him to give a clear title.

From Project Gutenberg

Oppressive laws compel me to pay a portion of my hard earnings to support them in their pride and indolence.

From Project Gutenberg

A defective acknowledgment by a married woman is worthless, nor will any court compel her to make another one.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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