Compel
/kəmˈpɛl/
Definitions
To force or oblige someone to do something.
/kəmˈpɛl/
To force or oblige (someone) to do something.
The judge compelled the witness to testify.
💡 Simply: Compel means to make someone *have* to do something, even if they don't want to. Like, a mean teacher might compel you to do extra homework!
👶 For kids: To make someone do something.
More Examples
The circumstances compelled him to act.
How It's Used
"The evidence compelled the jury to reach a guilty verdict."
"The storm compelled us to stay indoors."
Idioms & expressions
compelled to
Forced or obliged to.
"I felt compelled to tell the truth."
From Old French compeler, from Latin compellere, from com- "together" + pellere "to drive, push".
Historically, 'compel' has often been used in legal and political contexts, referring to the power of authority to enforce obedience.
Memory tip
Think of 'com' (together) and 'pel' (push) - pushing someone together to do something.