compel

[ kuhm-pel ]
/ kəmˈpɛl /

verb (used with object), com·pelled, com·pel·ling.

verb (used without object), com·pelled, com·pel·ling.

to use force.
to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.

Origin of compel

1350–1400; Middle English compellen (< Anglo-French) < Latin compellere to crowd, force, equivalent to com- com- + pellere to push, drive

synonym study for compel

3. 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.

OTHER WORDS FROM compel

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH compel

coerce compel constrain force oblige compel impel (see synonym study at the current entry)

Example sentences from the Web for compel

British Dictionary definitions for compel

compel
/ (kəmˈpɛl) /

verb -pels, -pelling or -pelled (tr)

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

Derived forms of compel

compellable, adjective compellably, adverb compeller, noun

Word Origin for compel

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