compel
kuhm-PEHL
Compel (verb) means to force or pressure someone into doing something. Example: “The court order compelled him to hand over the documents.”
verb
1
To force or pressure someone into doing something.
"The court order compelled him to hand over the documents."
"Financial trouble compelled the company to lay off staff."
How to use compel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make someone do something, whether by force, law, or strong pressure.
Common pairings
compel someone to do
legally compelled
feel compelled
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like compel.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- compels
- Past tense
- compelled
Etymology
From Latin compellere, from com- ("together") plus pellere ("to drive"), the same root as "propel" and "expel."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “compel” mean?
The word “compel” means to force or pressure someone into doing something. In plain terms, to make someone do something, whether by force, law, or strong pressure.
How do you pronounce “compel”?
“Compel” is pronounced kuhm-PEHL (/kəmˈpɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “compel” in a sentence?
Here is “compel” used in a sentence: “The court order compelled him to hand over the documents.”
What part of speech is “compel”?
“Compel” is a verb.
Where does the word “compel” come from?
The word “compel” comes from Latin. From Latin compellere, from com- ("together") plus pellere ("to drive"), the same root as "propel" and "expel.".
Is “compel” a common word?
“Compel” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
