Word: compel (verb)

Associations

The word "compel" means to force someone to do something. It often suggests a strong motivation or requirement that makes it difficult to refuse.

• For example, "The teacher compelled the students to finish their homework." This means the teacher strongly encouraged or required the students to complete their work.
• Another example is, "The law compels citizens to pay taxes." Here, it shows that the law makes it mandatory for people to pay their taxes.
• A third example could be, "She felt compelled to help her friend in need." This indicates a strong feeling or urge to assist someone.

The synonym "force" is similar, but "compel" carries a more legal or moral sense of obligation, while "force" suggests a physical action or coercion.

Substitution

Some other words or phrases that can replace "compel" are:

• "urge" — which means to strongly encourage someone but without the same level of necessity.
• "coerce" — which means to force someone to act in a certain way, often through pressure or threats.
• "require" — which indicates something must be done, but does not suggest as strong a feeling of duty or internal motivation as "compel."

Deconstruction

The root of the word is "pel," which comes from the Latin "pellere," meaning "to drive" or "to push." The prefix "com-" means "together" or "with," so "compel" essentially means "to push someone to do something together with something."

Inquiry

• Can you think of a situation where you felt compelled to act? What motivated you?
• How do you feel when someone tries to compel you to do something?
• In what areas of life do you notice people are often compelled to follow rules or guidelines?