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compel

verb
com·​pel | \ kÉ™m-ˈpel How to pronounce compel (audio) \
compelled; compelling

Definition of compel

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
Other Words from compel Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about compel

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Other Words from compel

compellable \ kÉ™m-​ˈpe-​lÉ™-​bÉ™l How to pronounce compellable (audio) \ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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.

Examples of compel in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

 An unknown person allegedly compelled a girl into prostitution between Aug. 1 and Aug. 21 in the 3500 block of Broadway Street, police said. — Houston Chronicle, "Pearland police report drug-related arrests," 6 Sep. 2019 The increased reporting post-Charlottesville eventually caused policymakers to take notice, which in turn compelled the FBI and Justice Department to begin to take these crimes more seriously. — Joe Sexton, ProPublica, "He Spent Years Infiltrating White Supremacist Groups. Here’s What He Has to Say About What’s Going on Now.," 30 Aug. 2019 White’s was the most prominent name on the 1992 lawsuit that compelled the NFL to accept unrestricted free agency, the culmination of years of contentious labor disputes between the owners and the players union. — The Si Staff, SI.com, "100 Figures Who Shaped the NFL’s First Century," 28 Aug. 2019 Can a situation like this, in which one person feels compelled to talk for fear of being viewed as rude, really be an organic way to meet a partner? — Sara Macauley, refinery29.com, "Have You Been Daygamed? The New Method Men Are Using To 'Attract Amazing Women'," 22 Aug. 2019 Note the unsurpassed sophistication of Feuillère’s elegant presence, her inspirational teaching of Racine, Corneille, and Watteau that sparks her infatuated pupils and Simon’s kittenish sensuality, which compels yet disturbs them. — Armond White, National Review, "The Vintage French Film Olivia Bests Today’s #Resistance Filmmakers," 21 Aug. 2019 The Office of Legislative Services lacked the authority to compel the production of documents and gather testimony under oath, Thurston said. — Skyler Swisher, sun-sentinel.com, "Florida Senate closes investigation into NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer with no fines or sanctions," 23 Aug. 2019 The boy, accompanied by a man, was hitting the animal with a show stick in the face, trying to compel the pig to get onto a trailer, Mather said. — Lee Rood, USA TODAY, "Man asked about cruelty to a pig at the Iowa State Fair. He was ejected for life," 21 Aug. 2019 Utah was among several Western states that explored suing to compel the federal government to hand over control of federal lands, arguing the state would manage them better. — Author: Ellen Knickmeyer, Brady Mccombs, Anchorage Daily News, "Opponent of nation’s public lands is picked to oversee them," 30 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'compel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of compel

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for compel

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

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More Definitions for compel

compel

verb
How to pronounce compel (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of compel

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

See the full definition for compel in the English Language Learners Dictionary

compel

verb
com·​pel | \ kÉ™m-ˈpel How to pronounce compel (audio) \
compelled; compelling

Kids Definition of compel

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.

compel

transitive verb
com·​pel | \ kÉ™m-ˈpel

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