The prefix com- acts as a strengthener in this word; thus, to compel is to drive powerfully, or force. So you may feel compelled to speak to a friend about his drinking, or compelled to reveal a secret in order to prevent something from happening. A compulsion is usually a powerful inner urge; a compulsive shopper or a compulsive gambler usually can't hold onto money for long. You might not want to do something unless there's a compelling reason; however, a compelling film is simply one that seems serious and important.
force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.
forced to flee for their lives
compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.
compelled to admit my mistake
coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.
coerced into signing over the rights
constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.
constrained by conscience
oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.
felt obliged to go
Examples of compel in a Sentence
Illness compelled him to stay in bed.
We took steps to compel their cooperation.
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Similarly, the warmer temperatures have compelled outdoor enthusiasts to hit the trails, increasing the odds of a run-in with the serpents.โ๐ Image Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026 Discussions were had at those meetings, and every single thing that has happened has been compelled by council action.โ๐ Image Jack Fink, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026 Major streamers like Netflix also have been consolidating their influence in a buyerโs market of late and havenโt felt compelled to invest time or resources in events like Realscreen.โ๐ Image Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026 The Jefferson County Clerk's Office has asked a federal judge to throw out a lawsuit that seeks to compel the release of Kentucky's unredacted voter rolls to the federal government, the office announced in a March 31 news release.โ๐ Image Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compel
Word History
Etymology
Middle English compeller "to coerce, force, constrain," borrowed from Anglo-French compeller, borrowed from Latin compellere "to drive together, force to go, force (to a view, course of action)," from com-com- + pellere "to beat against, push, strike, rouse, impel" โ more at pulse entry 1
