Word
compelled
Phoneticscom·pelled, stress on the second syllable
US/kəmˈpɛɫd/
UK/kəmpˈɛld/
Definitions
01forced by authority
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
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.
“The company was compelled by law to reveal how much pollution it produced.”
“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).
02driven by a strong feeling
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.
“He felt compelled to help the stray dog after seeing how thin it was.”
“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'.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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