Definition of compel - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
force actionforce someone to do something
- The court can compel a witness to testify.
2.
moral obligationcause someone to feel they must do something
- She felt compelled to speak out against injustice.
3.
extractionobtain something by using force
- The invaders compelled resources from the conquered land.
Origin of compel
Latin, com (together) + pellere (to drive)
Terms with compel included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
obligation
compel to a certain action
emotion
compel someone to act by making them feel ashamed
conflict
compel someone to retreat through intimidation
office
compel someone to leave an office
motivation
compel or urge someone to act
obedience
compel someone to obey or submit
authority
compel by authority without considering individual desires
illegal coercion
illegal use of force to compel actions
legal eviction
compel someone to leave a place
compel action
compel someone to act sooner than planned
communication
compel someone to deal with something
compel
force someone into a certain action
force compel
compel someone to act by creating no other choice
change
compel someone to change through a sudden event
control
compel someone to conform to one's desires
force
exert force to compel someone to act
power
aggressive attempt to compel acquiescence
forceful coercion
use of physical force or intimidation to compel someone to do something
coercion
situation where force is used to compel action
control
compel or force someone to follow a particular course of action
compulsion power
power to compel behavior or action through threats or pressure
compulsory service
compel someone to join a service or organization
action
compel someone to act in a certain way
compulsion
compel someone to serve in a military force
Examples of compel in a sentence
The threat of punishment will compel them to comply. He was compelled to donate generously. The law compels citizens to pay taxes. The captors compelled money from the hostage's family. Soldiers compelled supplies from local farmers.
View all translations of compel
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:contraindre, obliger, ...
- German:zwingen, verpflichten, ...
- Italian:obbligare, indurre, ...
- Spanish:forzar, compeler, ...
- Portuguese:obrigar, impelir, ...
- Chinese:强迫, 使感到必须, ...
- Japanese:強制する, 強いる, ...
- Arabic:أَجْبَرَ, دَفَعَ, ...
- Hebrew:לִכְפּוֹת, לְהַכְרִיחַ, ...
- Russian:заставлять, вынуждать, ...
- Ukrainian:примушувати, змусити, ...
- Hindi:मजबूर करना, बलपूर्वक प्राप्त करना, ...
icon to discover related terms: analogies, antonyms, common collocates, words with same roots, umbrella terms… Try with happening or hunch.
icon next to the first example to see two additional options and learn to use new vocabulary naturally.
icon to save words you want to revisit. You can also save a specific meaning by clicking on the