compelled

American  

[kuhm-peld] / kəmˈpɛld /

adjective

1. secured or brought about by force.

   Statements made in a compelled interview may not be used in a criminal proceeding.

2. 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!

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verb

1. 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

But when our philosophy and approach aren’t understood or are flatly rejected, we feel compelled to go public with our activism.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

My bet is that Melania has been nursing a weird grudge about all this and simply felt compelled to say something.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

Not everyone is compelled to spend the extra money on a monogram for their jammies, but the impulse comes from the early days of life.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Sharp said she’s been compelled to put so many hours into this work because she feels a responsibility to do so for the future health of her young daughter and husband.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

I ask you why are you compelled to do this?

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

Related Words

• afraid
• averse
• evasive
• forced
• loath
• reluctant
• resistant
• unenthusiastic