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REFERENCE

compelling

adj. · n.
US //kəmˈpɛɫɪŋ// UK //kəmpˈɛlɪŋ// com·pelling
  1. 1 very interesting (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    so interesting or exciting that you want to keep watching or reading.

    captivating or holding one's attention through intense interest or excitement.

    Example

    The movie was so compelling that I didn't look at my phone once.

    Example

    The documentary offers a compelling narrative of the city's history, weaving together personal interviews and rare archival footage.
  2. 2 persuasive (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    strong enough to make you believe that something is true or right.

    capable of eliciting belief or agreement through logical or evidentiary force.

    Example

    The lawyer presented a compelling argument that convinced the jury.

    Example

    Despite the lack of physical evidence, the prosecutor built a compelling case based on the consistency of the witness testimonies.
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  1. 3 forceful (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a feeling or reason that is so strong you feel you must do something.

    exerting a strong, irresistible influence or psychological necessity.

    Example

    He felt a compelling need to tell the truth about what happened.

    Example

    The board found no compelling reason to change the existing policy before the end of the fiscal year.
  2. 4 act of forcing (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Law

    the act of forcing someone to do something.

    the act of compulsion or the state of being obliged to perform an action.

    Example

    The compelling of witnesses to testify is a standard part of the trial.

    Example

    Legal scholars debated whether the compelling of such testimony violated the defendant's constitutional protections against self-incrimination.
Origin

By surface analysis, compel + -ing.

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