ENGLISH
REFERENCE

compel

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //kəmˈpɛɫ// UK //kəmpˈɛl// com·pel Archaic

v. to force someone to do something. You can also use it when a feeling or a reason is so strong that you have to act on it.

v. to force or oblige someone to perform an action; to drive or urge irresistibly by physical or moral force. Transitive — requires a direct object, often followed by a to-infinitive.


SIMPLE

The law can compel witnesses to tell the truth in court.

CONTEXTUAL

A sense of duty may compel a person to speak out against an injustice even when it is risky.

COMPLEX

While the contract does not explicitly compel the contractor to provide additional labor, the looming deadline and potential penalties effectively leave them with no other viable choice.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English compellen, borrowed from Middle French compellir, from Latin compellere, itself from com- (“together”) + pellere (“to drive”). Displaced native Old English nīedan.

Usage

The verb is transitive and typically follows the pattern 'compel someone to do something'.

Pitfall

The rain compelled me staying insideThe rain compelled me to stay insideCompel requires the to-infinitive when followed by an object and a second verb.

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