Compelled
/kəmˈpɛld/
verbB2past tense, past participle
Definition
To be compelled means to feel like you must do something because of a strong reason, rule, or inner feeling. It is stronger than just wanting to do something; it often means you have no choice or feel a strong push to act.
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⚡ See It in Action
Feeling forced or driven to do something by rules, feelings, or circumstances
- •She felt compelled to tell the truth even though it was difficult.
- •The law compelled him to pay the fine.
- •I was compelled to help when I saw the accident.
Causing a strong feeling that leads to action
- •The story was so powerful it compelled everyone to listen carefully.
- •His sense of duty compelled him to volunteer.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "compelled" like "must" or "have to," but with more strong feeling or pressure behind it.
- ✓Picture someone standing at the edge of a stage who feels they must speak, even if they are nervous.
- ✓It's the feeling when you really want to help a friend because you care deeply or because something important depends on it.
- ✓Sounds like "come-PELLED" → imagine a bell ringing loudly, pushing you to act quickly.
- ✓Think of a story where a character is compelled by a promise to keep their word no matter what.
- ✓NOT like "want" (a simple wish), "compelled" means a stronger, almost necessary action.
- ✓NOT like "forced" (done by someone else), "compelled" can come from inside yourself or outside pressure.
- ✓NOT like "choose" (free decision), "compelled" means less freedom, more pressure to act.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Forced: made to do something by someone else (Use when the action is caused by external pressure without choice)
- •Obliged: required to do something, often politely or legally (Use in formal or polite contexts)
- •Driven: motivated strongly by feelings or goals (Use when the cause is internal motivation)
- •Required: necessary to do because of rules or needs (Use when rules or laws demand an action)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: com- (together, with) + pel (from Latin "pellere," meaning to drive or push) + -led (past tense ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin "compellere," meaning to drive together or force
- •Historical development: Originally used to mean driving or forcing someone to do something; over time, it gained meaning of strong inner or outer pressure
- •Modern usage: Used to describe feeling strong pressure or necessity to act because of rules, feelings, or situations
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can being compelled ever feel positive, or is it always a kind of pressure?
•How do you decide when you are truly compelled to do something versus when you just want to do it?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.She felt compelled ___ tell the truth because it was the right thing to do.
2.The rules compelled employees ___ wear safety gear at all times.
3.Unlike simple desire, being compelled means you ___ feel you have no choice.
4.He was compelled ___ act quickly when he saw the fire.
5.When someone is compelled by law, it means they are ___ to follow it.
6.The story was so moving it compelled the audience ___ listen carefully.
7.You might feel compelled ___ help a friend in trouble even if it is difficult.