English Dictionary
Definition of “compel”
compel (kəmˈpɛl
)
Definitions
verb
(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
Alternative Forms
comˈpellable adjective comˈpellably adverb comˈpeller noun Word Origin
C14: from Latin compellere to drive together, from com- together + pellere to drive
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
force,
make,
urge,
enforce,
railroad,
drive,
oblige,
constrain,
hustle,
necessitate,
coerce,
bulldoze,
impel,
dragoon,
Usage examples
He walked briskly enough to compel Todd to hurry along on his short legs.
St. James, Ian, Final Resort (1994)Such a breach could in theory trigger a US-led invasion of Iraq to compel its disarmament.
New Scientist (2003)That, according to experts, means he will be subjected to any number of psychological and physical methods to compel him to talk.
Toronto Sun (2003)We fear that some doctors ' ethical convictions may compel them to continue dismissing valid refusals of treatment.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)On this view, however, scientific evidence alone can never be sufficient logically to compel people to adopt one particular belief.
Yearley, Steven, Science, Technology, and Social Change (1988)
