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compel

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /kəmˈpɛl/ · UK /kəmˈpel/

Forms: compelled

compel means: To make someone do something because of a rule, strong pressure, or a powerful feeling.

verb

FORCE TO ACTB2

To make someone do something because of a rule, strong pressure, or a powerful feeling.

  • Nobody can compel you to stay.
  • The law compelled employers to improve safety.
  • She felt compelled to help the injured stranger.

How to use it: compel someone to do something (The court compelled him to give evidence.); feel compelled to do something (I felt compelled to explain my decision.)

Similar words: force, oblige, make, coerce

Common phrases: compel someone to act, compel an answer, compel someone to leave, compel compliance

GATHER TOGETHERC2

To drive people or animals together into one place.

  • The shepherd compelled the flock together.
  • They compelled the cattle into a pen.
  • Riders were sent to compel the scattered herds.

Similar words: round up, herd, gather

Opposites: scatter, disperse

Common phrases: compel the herd, compel cattle together

Questions about compel

What does compel mean?

To make someone do something because of a rule, strong pressure, or a powerful feeling.

What is compel in other languages?

Türkçe: zorlamak · Español: obligar · Français: obliger · Deutsch: zwingen · Italiano: costringere · 日本語: 強いる

How do you pronounce compel?

In American English /kəmˈpɛl/; in British English /kəmˈpel/.

How do you use compel in a sentence?

Nobody can compel you to stay. The law compelled employers to improve safety.

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compel in other languages

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