Nearby Words
verb (used with object)
1.
to force or drive, especially 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.
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Compellingly
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. |
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English compellen (< Anglo-French ) < Latin compellere to crowd, force, equivalent to com- com- + pellere to push, drive
1350–1400; Middle English compellen (< Anglo-French ) < Latin compellere to crowd, force, equivalent 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
EXPANDpre·com·pel, verb (used with object), -pelled, -pel·ling.
un·com·pel·la·ble, adjective
un·com·pelled, adjective
COLLAPSECan be confused: 1. coerce, compel, constrain, force, oblige (see synonym note at oblige); 2. compel, impel (see synonym note at the current entry); 3. compelled, impelled.
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. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To compellingly
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
compel
mid-14c., from O.Fr. compellir, from L. compellere "to drive together," from com- "together" + pellere "to drive." Related: Compelled (pp. adj., 1540s).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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