ENGLISH
REFERENCE

compelled

v. · adj.
US //kəmˈpɛɫd// UK //kəmpˈɛld// com·pelled
  1. 1 forced by authority (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to be forced to do something because of a rule, a law, or a person with power.

    to be forced or constrained by an external authority, legal requirement, or irresistible power. This form is the past participle of the transitive verb.

    Example

    The company was compelled by law to reveal how much pollution it produced.

    Example

    Under the terms of the new treaty, the signatory nations were compelled to reduce their carbon emissions by twenty percent within the decade.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice followed by an infinitive ('to' + verb).
  2. 2 driven by a strong feeling (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling that you must do something because of a very strong emotion or need.

    driven by an irresistible inner impulse or a powerful emotional necessity.

    Example

    He felt compelled to help the stray dog after seeing how thin it was.

    Example

    Despite the personal risks involved, the journalist felt compelled to return to the conflict zone to document the humanitarian crisis.

    Usage

    Commonly follows the linking verb 'feel'.
Word family

© 2026 English Reference