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compel
/kəmˈpɛl/
force or oblige someone to do something
The law compels companies to disclose financial risks.
The law legally requires companies to reveal financial dangers.
formal
To force or oblige someone to do something, often against their will.
The court compelled the witness to testify.
The court legally required the witness to give evidence.
Circumstances compelled her to accept the job.
The situation left her with no choice but to take the job.
Commonly used in legal, moral, or situational contexts where external pressure is applied.
formal
To bring about something by force or necessity.
The evidence compels the conclusion that he is guilty.
The evidence makes it necessary to conclude he is guilty.
Often used in reasoning or argumentation to indicate inevitability.
Collocations
compel someone to do somethingforce someone to take an actionbe compelled by circumstanceshave no choice due to external factorscompel obedienceforce someone to comply with rules
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'impel'
'Compel' implies external pressure forcing action, while 'impel' suggests internal motivation driving behavior (e.g., 'duty impelled her to act').
Gold Rule
Use 'compel' for external forces
Reserve 'compel' for situations where someone or something outside the subject applies pressure (e.g., laws, circumstances, authorities).
Word Origin
From Latin *compellere* (com- 'together' + pellere 'to drive'), meaning 'to drive together' or 'to force'. Entered English in the 14th century via Old French *compeller*.
Usage Notes
Used in formal contexts, often implying moral or legal obligation rather than physical force. Less intense than 'coerce' (which suggests duress) and more neutral than 'oblige' (which may imply kindness).
Word Breakdown
com-
together, with
prefix-pel-
to drive, push
root-ere
infinitive verb ending
suffixEnglish Dictionary