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compelled - 2 dictionary results
com⋅pel
[kuh
m-pel] 
verb, -pelled, -pel⋅ling.–verb (used with object)
| 1. | to force or drive, esp. to a course of action: His disregard of the rules compels us to dismiss him. |
| 2. | to secure or bring about by force. |
| 3. | to force to submit; subdue. |
| 4. | to overpower. |
| 5. | Archaic. to drive together; unite by force; herd. |
–verb (used without object)
| 6. | to use force. |
| 7. | to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc. |
Origin:
1350–1400; ME compellen (< AF) < L compellere to crowd, force, equiv. to com- com- + pellere to push, drive
1350–1400; ME compellen (< AF) < L compellere to crowd, force, equiv. to com- com- + pellere to push, drive
Related forms:
com⋅pel⋅la⋅ble, adjective
com⋅pel⋅la⋅bly, adverb
com⋅pel⋅lent, adjective
com⋅pel⋅ler, noun
com⋅pel⋅ling⋅ly, adverb
Synonyms:
1. constrain, oblige, coerce. 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. 3. overpower, bend.
1. constrain, oblige, coerce. 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. 3. overpower, bend.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source
|
Link To compelled
| com·pel (kəm-pěl') tr.v. com·pelled, com·pel·ling, com·pels
[Middle English compellen, from Latin compellere : com-, com- + pellere, to drive; see pel-5 in Indo-European roots.] com·pel'la·ble adj., com·pel'la·bly adv., com·pel'ler n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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