compel
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to use force.
-
to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.
verb
-
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
Synonym Usage
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 Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
compellablyadverb
-
uncompellableadjective
-
compellernoun
-
precompelverb (used with object)
-
compellinglyadverb
-
compellentadjective
-
compellableadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have compelledperfect
-
has compelledperfect 3rd person singular
-
is compellingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
am compellingprogressive 1st person singular
-
has been compellingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
are compellingprogressive
-
compelssingular 3rd person
-
compellingparticiple
-
have been compellingperfect progressive
Past
-
had compelledperfect
-
had been compellingperfect progressive
-
compelledparticiple
-
compelledsimple
-
was compellingprogressive singular
-
were compellingprogressive plural
Future
Etymology
Origin of compel
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”
Explanation
Compel means to force or drive someone to do something. Even if you don't like toast, when you visit the toast-eating natives of Shrintakook Island, you'll be compelled to eat it, or they will not trust you. You don't want to be compelled to go to a classical music concert if you'd rather listen to rap. School officials might be upset if a winter storm compels them to cancel classes, but you'd be okay with that. A compelling mystery forces you to pay attention because you want to find out "whodunit."
Vocabulary lists containing compel
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 1–6
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Bill of Rights
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Law enforcement can still compel companies to hand over user activity if they believe a crime has been committed.
From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026
At the same time, there is also the possibility of another substantial inflation shock that would compel rate hikes.
From MarketWatch • May 30, 2026
Current merger rules for U.S. railroads compel applicants to show how a combined company would enhance competition and affect service, among other factors.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
Meanwhile, the government plans to strengthen and expand Parenting Orders, which can compel parents or guardians to address their child's behaviour, including attending counselling or guidance sessions, or face penalties such as fines.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
Did marriage compel love like the sun the day?
From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
