Compel Definition and Meaning
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 6, 2024
Compel means to force or oblige someone to do something. e.g., The court can compel a witness to attend the trial.
Table of Contents
Compel Definitions
To exert a strong, irresistible force on.
Her curiosity compelled her to open the mysterious box.
To drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly.
Hunger compelled him to search for food.
To coerce into a particular action or state.
The kidnappers compelled his silence with threats.
To command or enforce obedience to.
The dictator compelled loyalty from his subjects.
To necessitate or require, as by circumstance.
The situation will compel immediate action.
To bring about by force or pressure.
The government compelled compliance through legislation.
To obtain by force or threat.
The thieves compelled the combination from the safe's owner.
To cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure.
Economic necessity compelled him to take two jobs.
To bind, constrain, or confine by necessity or force.
The contract compels them to finish the project on time.
To influence or sway by a strong impulse.
The argument was compelling enough to change her mind.
To force (a person) to do something; drive or constrain
The court compelled the company to pay full restitution. My conscience compels me to speak out.
To necessitate or require, as by force of circumstance; demand
Growing riots compelled the evacuation of the embassy.
To exert a strong, irresistible force on; sway
"The land, in a certain, very real way, compels the minds of the people" (Barry Lopez).
To drive together, round up en
(transitive) To overpower; to subdue.
(transitive) To force, constrain or coerce.
Logic compels the wise, while fools feel compelled by emotions.
(transitive) To exact, extort, (make) produce by force.
(obsolete) To force to yield; to overpower; to subjugate.
(obsolete) To gather or unite in a crowd or company.
(obsolete) To call forth; to summon.
To drive or urge with force, or irresistibly; to force; to constrain; to oblige; to necessitate, either by physical or moral force.
Wolsey . . . compelled the people to pay up the whole subsidy at once.
And they compel one Simon . . . to bear his cross.
To take by force or violence; to seize; to exact; to extort.
Commissions, which compel from eachThe sixth part of his substance.
To force to yield; to overpower; to subjugate.
Easy sleep their weary limbs compelled.
I compel all creatures to my will.
To gather or unite in a crowd or company.
To call forth; to summon.
She had this knight from far compelled.
To make one yield or submit.
Force or compel somebody to do something;
We compel all students to fill out this form
Make someone do something
Compel Snonyms
Oblige
To make (someone) legally or morally bound to an action or course of action.
Doctors are obliged to keep the confidentiality of their patients.
Pressure
To attempt to persuade or coerce (someone) into doing something.
She felt pressured to agree with their decision.
Force
To make someone do something against their will.
The law can force companies to comply with environmental standards.
Constrain
To compel or force (someone) to follow a particular course of action.
Financial difficulties constrained him to give up his studies.
Coerce
To persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats.
They were coerced into signing the agreement.
Require
To need for a particular purpose.
The recipe requires three eggs.
Enforce
To compel observance of or compliance with (a law, rule, or obligation).
The role of the police is to enforce the law.
Impel
To drive, force, or urge (someone) to do something.
A sense of duty impelled her to volunteer.
Mandate
To require (something) to be done; to make mandatory.
The government mandates that all cars be insured.
Urge
To strongly advise or try to persuade someone to do a particular thing.
Lawyers will urge the defendants to settle out of court.
Compel Idioms & Phrases
Compel obedience
To enforce adherence to commands or laws.
The new regulations compel obedience from all citizens.
Compel someone's silence
To force someone to keep quiet about something.
The fear of retaliation compelled his silence on the matter.
Compel respect
To earn admiration through one's actions or qualities.
Her integrity and dedication compel respect from her peers.
Compel attention
To demand notice or consideration.
The artist's unique style compels attention in the art world.
Compel to act
To force or drive someone to take action.
The crisis compelled the government to act swiftly.
Compel a confession
To force someone to admit something.
The evidence was so overwhelming that it compelled a confession from the suspect.
Compel consideration
To demand careful thought or attention.
The proposal's potential benefits compel consideration.
Compel admiration
To invoke a feeling of wonder or approval.
His courage under pressure compels admiration.
Compel cooperation
To force someone to work together or comply.
The project's success compelled cooperation between the rival departments.
Compel interest
To arouse curiosity or engagement.
The mystery novel compels interest from the first page.
Compel a response
To necessitate a reply or reaction.
The controversial issue compelled a response from the authorities.
Compel a decision
To force the making of a choice or resolution.
The deadline compelled a decision from the committee.
Compel evidence
To force the presentation or submission of proof.
The court can compel evidence from reluctant witnesses.
Compel a change
To necessitate or bring about a modification.
Changing market conditions compel a change in strategy.
Compel support
To force backing or endorsement.
The candidate's policies compel support from the party.
Compel a verdict
To force a decision or judgment.
The jury was compelled to a verdict by the weight of the evidence.
Compel agreement
To force consensus or acceptance.
The terms were so favorable that they compelled agreement.
Compel someone to leave
To force someone to go away or exit.
The fire alarm compelled everyone to leave the building.
Compel the truth
To force the revelation or acknowledgment of facts.
The intense questioning compelled the truth from the witness.
Compel Example Sentences
The contract terms compel all parties to adhere to the deadlines.
Historical events can compel changes in government policy.
The law can compel corporations to protect the environment.
Peer pressure often compels teenagers to conform.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called compel?
The word "compel" originates from the Latin word "compellere," which means to drive together, drive to one place, or force. It suggests the act of pushing someone towards a specific action or state.
How is compel used in a sentence?
"Compel" is used to indicate forcing someone to do something, e.g., The circumstances compelled her to make a difficult decision.
How do we divide compel into syllables?
"Compel" is divided into syllables as com-pel.
What is the verb form of compel?
The verb form of "compel" is "compel," as in to compel someone to do something.
What is the pronunciation of compel?
"Compel" is pronounced as /kəmˈpɛl/.
What is the root word of compel?
The root word of "compel" is the Latin "compellere," meaning to drive together or force.
How many syllables are in compel?
There are two syllables in "compel."
What is a stressed syllable in compel?
The stressed syllable in "compel" is the second syllable, -pel.
What is the first form of compel?
The first form of "compel" is "compel."
What is the second form of compel?
The second form of "compel" is "compelled."
What is another term for compel?
Another term for "compel" is "force."
What is the singular form of compel?
The singular form is "compel."
Is the word “compel” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Compel" is a verb and thus cannot be a direct or indirect object, but it can have direct or indirect objects in a sentence.
What part of speech is compel?
"Compel" is a verb.
Is compel a countable noun?
"Compel" is not a noun; it is a verb.
Which vowel is used before compel?
The vowel used before "compel" can vary depending on the context and preceding word; there's no specific rule.
What is the third form of compel?
The third form of "compel" is also "compelled."
What is the opposite of compel?
The opposite of "compel" is "dissuade" or "discourage."
Is compel a collective noun?
No, "compel" is not a collective noun; it is a verb.
Which preposition is used with compel?
Prepositions such as "to" or "into" can be used with "compel," e.g., "compel someone to do something."
Is compel an adverb?
No, "compel" is not an adverb; it is a verb.
Is compel a negative or positive word?
"Compel" is generally neutral but can have negative connotations depending on the context, as it implies force or coercion.
Is compel a vowel or consonant?
The word "compel" starts with a consonant.
Is the compel term a metaphor?
The term "compel" itself is not a metaphor, but it can be used metaphorically in some contexts.
Is the word compel imperative?
"Compel" can be used in imperative sentences, but the word itself is not inherently imperative.
Is the word compel Gerund?
No, "compel" is not a gerund. The gerund form would be "compelling."
Which conjunction is used with compel?
Conjunctions are not specifically associated with "compel"; various conjunctions can be used depending on the sentence structure.
Which article is used with compel?
Articles are not used with verbs like "compel."
What is the plural form of compel?
"Compel" does not have a plural form as it is a verb; its actions can be applied to singular or plural subjects.
Is compel a noun or adjective?
"Compel" is a verb, not a noun or adjective.
Is compel an abstract noun?
No, "compel" is not a noun; it is a verb, so it cannot be an abstract noun.
Which determiner is used with compel?
Determiners are not typically used with verbs like "compel."
Share Your Discovery
Previous Term
Insert Definition and Meaning
Next Term
Hungry Definition and MeaningAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
