Meaning
- Compel means to force or strongly persuade someone to do something, often against their will or by necessity.
- It carries a sense of strong pressure, obligation, or authority.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Verb (transitive)
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Common patterns:
- compel sb to do sth → to force someone to do something.
- Passive voice is frequently used: “We were compelled to leave.”
Common Phrases
- compel attention – to attract or demand attention.
- compel obedience – to force people to obey.
- compel respect – to cause people to respect someone.
Collocations
- compel someone to act
- compel the government / court
- compel a witness to testify
- feel compelled to
- legally compelled
Examples
- The law compels parents to send their children to school.
- His story was so moving that it compelled everyone to tears.
- Soldiers were compelled to follow strict orders.
- She felt compelled to apologize after realizing her mistake.
- Circumstances compelled them to sell their house.
- The teacher’s passion compelled the students to work harder.
- He was compelled by hunger to ask for food.
- The judge compelled the witness to answer the question.
Synonyms or Related
- Force
- Oblige
- Coerce
- Drive
- Pressure