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View synonyms for compel

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


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Derived Forms

  • comˈpeller, noun
  • comˈpellable, adjective
  • comˈpellably, adverb

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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

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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”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of compel1

C14: from Latin compellere to drive together, from com- together + pellere to drive

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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.

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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.

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