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View synonyms for

compel

[ kuhm-pel ]

verb (used with object)

compelled, compelling.
  1. to force or drive, especially to a course of action:

    His disregard of the rules compels us to dismiss him.

    Synonyms: , ,

  2. to secure or bring about by force.
  3. to force to submit; subdue.

    Synonyms: ,

  4. to overpower.
  5. Archaic. to drive together; unite by force; herd.


verb (used without object)

compelled, compelling.
  1. to use force.
  2. to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.

compel

/ əˈɛ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • dzˈ, noun
  • dzˈ, adjective
  • dzˈ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • dz··· adjective
  • dz··· adverb
  • dz··Գ adjective
  • dz·· noun
  • dz··Բ· adverb
  • ·dz· verb (used with object) precompelled precompelling
  • un·dz··· 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

Examples have not been reviewed.

Their shared vitriol is palpable and terribly compelling, especially as they navigate this season in the arms of their respective new partners.

From

Sometimes these interviews are voluntary and other times they are compelled.

From

As it is not licenced by the GBGB, Thornton has not been compelled to keep a record of injuries and adhere to safety standards.

From

She said the statutory inquiry "will have the power to compel witnesses" and "must be thorough in its assessment of the facts".

From

He was one half of one of the most compelling rivalries of recent years, suffering a shock loss to Liverpudlian Liam Smith two months after his cancelled fight with Benn.

From

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