WordValecompel
to force to do something
In more detail
1. (verb) to force someone to do something; to make someone do something against their will
2. (verb) to force or drive something forward
Examples
- 1. The law compels all citizens to pay taxes.
- 2. The evidence compels us to accept this conclusion.
How to use compel
Compel is a more formal and forceful term than force, often implying external pressure or obligation rather than physical coercion. It is commonly used in legal, moral, and persuasive contexts. The adjective compelling describes something that is irresistibly interesting or convincing.
Common phrases
- compel someone to do something
- compel attention
- compelled by law
- feel compelled to
- compel respect
Synonyms
force · oblige · coerce · pressure · constrain
Opposites
permit · allow · encourage
Word family
compelling (adjective) · compulsion (noun) · compulsory (adjective) · compelled (past tense)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use compel intransitively (e.g., 'the law compels') when they should include the object and infinitive (e.g., 'the law compels them to leave').
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