adj
Uncommon
compelled
kuhm-PEHLD
Compelled (adj) means Forced or strongly obligated to do something. Example: “She felt compelled to apologize after seeing how upset he was.”
adj
1
Forced or strongly obligated to do something.
"She felt compelled to apologize after seeing how upset he was."
"I was the only one who was in a position to do it, and I felt very compelled to do so."
— Liliana Chávez Díaz, Latin American Documentary Narratives (2021)
"After reading the letter, I felt compelled to ring my old friend."
"The witnesses were compelled to attend the hearing and answer questions."
How to use compelled
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes the state of being pushed or forced into an action.
Common pairings
felt compelled
legally compelled
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more compelled
- Superlative
- most compelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She felt _____ to apologize after seeing how upset he was.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for compelled
See all rhymes for compelled →Frequently asked questions
What does “compelled” mean?
The word “compelled” means forced or strongly obligated to do something. In plain terms, describes the state of being pushed or forced into an action.
How do you pronounce “compelled”?
“Compelled” is pronounced kuhm-PEHLD (/kəmˈpɛld/ in IPA).
How do you use “compelled” in a sentence?
Here is “compelled” used in a sentence: “She felt compelled to apologize after seeing how upset he was.”
What part of speech is “compelled”?
“Compelled” is an adjective.
Is “compelled” a common word?
“Compelled” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between compelled and forced?
Compelled and forced both describe being strongly obligated to do something, but compelled often suggests pressure from circumstances, conscience, or emotion, such as feeling compelled to apologize, while forced more commonly implies direct external coercion or physical power.
Can compelled describe an internal feeling rather than outside pressure?
Yes, compelled is often used to describe an inner sense of obligation, such as feeling compelled to speak up or help, where the pressure comes from personal conscience or emotion rather than an outside authority.
Is compelled used in legal or formal contexts?
Yes, compelled frequently appears in legal and formal writing, such as "the witness was compelled to testify," describing an obligation imposed by law, contract, or authority.
