compel

play

verb com·pel \kəm-ˈpel\

Definition of compel

compelled

;

compelling

transitive verb
1 : to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly Hunger compelled him to eat. The general was compelled to surrender.
2 : to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure Public opinion compelled her to sign the bill.
3 archaic : to drive together

compellable

play \-ˈpe-lə-bəl\ adjective

See compel defined for English-language learners

See compel defined for kids

Examples of compel in a sentence

Illness compelled him to stay in bed.
We took steps to compel their cooperation.

Did You Know?

The prefix com- acts as a strengthener in this word; thus, to compel is to drive powerfully, or force. So you may feel compelled to speak to a friend about his drinking, or compelled to reveal a secret in order to prevent something from happening. A compulsion is usually a powerful inner urge; a compulsive shopper or a compulsive gambler usually can't hold onto money for long. You might not want to do something unless there's a compelling reason; however, a compelling film is simply one that seems serious and important.

Origin and Etymology of compel

Middle English compellen, from Anglo-French compeller, from Latin compellere, from com- + pellere to drive — more at felt

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of compel

force, compel, coerce, constrain, oblige mean to make someone or something yield. force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress forced to flee for their lives. compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force compelled to admit my mistake. coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure coerced into signing over the rights. constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice constrained by conscience. oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty felt obliged to go.

COMPEL Defined for English Language Learners

compel

play

verb com·pel \kəm-ˈpel\

Definition of compel for English Language Learners

: to force (someone) to do something
: to make (something) happen : to force (something)

COMPEL Defined for Kids

compel

play

verb com·pel \kəm-ˈpel\

Definition of compel for Students

compelled

;

compelling

1 : to make (as a person) do something by the use of physical, moral, or mental pressure : force … so greatly did hunger compel him, he was not above taking what did not belong to him. — Jack London, The Call of the Wild
2 : to make happen by force He compelled obedience.

Word Root of compel

The Latin word pellere, meaning “to cause to move” or “to drive,” gives us the root pel. Words from the Latin pellere have something to do with driving or causing something to move. To propel is to drive forward. To compel is to drive someone to do something. To expel is to drive out. To repel is to drive back or away.

Law Dictionary

compel

play

transitive verb com·pel \kəm-ˈpel\

Legal Definition of compel

compelled

compelling

: to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure and especially by authority or law cannot compel the defendant to testify the result…is compelled by, the original understanding of the fourteenth amendment's equal protection clause — R. H. Bork