compelled
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to be forced to do something because of a rule, a law, or a person with power.
v.to be forced or constrained by an external authority, legal requirement, or irresistible power. This form is the past participle of the transitive verb.
Simple“The company was compelled by law to reveal how much pollution it produced.”
In context“Under the terms of the new treaty, the signatory nations were compelled to reduce their carbon emissions by twenty percent within the decade.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice followed by an infinitive ('to' + verb).
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.feeling that you must do something because of a very strong emotion or need.
adj.driven by an irresistible inner impulse or a powerful emotional necessity.
Simple“He felt compelled to help the stray dog after seeing how thin it was.”
In context“Despite the personal risks involved, the journalist felt compelled to return to the conflict zone to document the humanitarian crisis.”
UsageCommonly follows the linking verb 'feel'.
Antonymsindifferentunmotivated
“Even now, some resisted participating in the case and had to be compelled to come to court.”
“A life unlike any other, he was compelled to leave his mark on this world.”