Compel
/kəmˈpɛl/
verbB2
Definition
Compel means to make someone do something because they feel they must, either by pressure, rules, or strong reasons. It is stronger than just asking or suggesting; it means the person has little choice but to act.
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⚡ See It in Action
To make someone do something by using power, rules, or strong reasons
- •The law compels people to pay taxes.
- •The teacher compelled the students to finish their work before leaving.
- •The situation compelled her to make a quick decision.
To strongly attract or interest someone so they feel drawn to something (less common)
- •His story compelled the audience’s attention.
- •The beautiful music compelled everyone to listen carefully.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "compel" like "make," but stronger—it's not just asking, it's almost forcing someone to do something.
- ✓Picture a teacher who makes all students stand up because the rule says so—they are compelled to stand.
- ✓It's the feeling when you have to do homework even if you don’t want to because your parents or teacher say you must.
- ✓Sounds like "come-pell" → Imagine someone saying "Come! You must do it!" like a strong call that you cannot ignore.
- ✓Think of a story where a hero is compelled by a promise or duty to go on an adventure—they have no choice.
- ✓NOT like "ask" (which is gentle and optional), "compel" means you have to do it, or there will be consequences.
- ✓NOT like "force" (which can mean physical power), "compel" often means pressure from rules, feelings, or strong reasons.
- ✓NOT like "persuade" (which means to convince kindly), "compel" is more urgent and leaves less choice.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Force: to make someone do something by physical power or strong pressure (Use when physical power or strong pressure is involved)
- •Require: to say something must be done (Use when talking about rules or laws)
- •Drive: to push someone to do something because of strong feelings or needs (Use when motivation is emotional or internal)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Prefix/root/suffix: "com-" (together, with) + "pel" (from Latin "pellere" meaning to push or drive)
- •Etymology: From Latin "compellere," meaning to drive together or force
- •Historical development: Originally meant to push or drive physically, later used more for making someone act by pressure or necessity
- •Modern usage: Used to describe strong pressure or necessity to act, often in legal, moral, or emotional contexts
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you felt compelled to do something even if you didn’t want to? What made you feel that way?
•How is compelling someone different from persuading or asking them nicely?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The new law compels citizens to ___ their taxes on time to avoid fines.
2.She felt compelled to speak up because the situation was ___ unfair.
3.Unlike asking, to compel someone means they have very little ___ to refuse.
4.When the teacher compelled the class to stay late, the students had no ___ but to obey.
5.The story was so interesting it compelled everyone to ___ closely.
6.Rules at work compel employees ___ wear safety gear every day.
7.If you are compelled by strong emotions, you might ___ act without thinking carefully.