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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.

"We will seek out the truth," she said, adding she would not hesitate to use her legal powers "to the fullest extent necessary to compel the production of evidence where it's not provided".

From

Staff at libraries in other military academies and on hundreds of military installations, may be compelled to take similar actions to curtail free speech.

From

"The United States and France, as guarantors of the cessation of hostilities agreement, must assume their responsibilities and compel Israel to immediately cease its attacks," it wrote.

From

Indeed, in early April, the corporations filed a motion to compel Trump to produce relevant documentary evidence, as required in discovery.

From

Because if we're after public funding or even private funding, the public and the private, I suppose, has to be compelled, has to see that there's something really, really captivating and beautiful there.

From

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