Advertisement
Advertisement
compel
[ kuhm-pel ]
verb (used with object)
- to force or drive, especially to a course of action:
His disregard of the rules compels us to dismiss him.
- to secure or bring about by force.
- to force to submit; subdue.
- to overpower.
- Archaic. to drive together; unite by force; herd.
verb (used without object)
- to use force.
- to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.
compel
/ kəmˈpɛl /
verb
- to cause (someone) by force (to be or do something)
- to obtain by force; exact
to compel obedience
- to overpower or subdue
- archaic.to herd or drive together
Discover More
Derived Forms
- comˈpeller, noun
- comˈpellable, adjective
- comˈpellably, adverb
Discover More
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
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of compel1
Discover More
Synonym Study
Discover More
Example Sentences
It is “an act of force to compel our enemy to do our will” by spilling blood, and lots of it.
And the truth that language changes over time does not compel us to endorse any particular change.
Which brings us to the images that compel our attention today.
“The government cannot compel a nonbeliever to take an oath that affirms the existence of a supreme being,” Miller added.
Owen will have the power to compel the production of witnesses and documents from the British security and intelligence services.
They will try to compel you to confession; and, though you are blameless, you will suffer the cruelest ordeal of transgression.
If there had been a loss, something like that amount, then the courts would compel him to pay.
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.
Oppressive laws compel me to pay a portion of my hard earnings to support them in their pride and indolence.
A defective acknowledgment by a married woman is worthless, nor will any court compel her to make another one.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse