compel

CEFRC1

/kəmˈpɛl/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To force someone to do something.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To force, constrain, or coerce.

Examples

  • Hunger is a very powerful human instinct which can compel us to extremes of behaviour.

  • I compel you to adhere to our master's teachings.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To overpower; to subdue.

  2. To drive together, round up.

  3. To forcefully or powerfully motivate (a course of action).

More examples

In context

  • The law can compel fathers to make regular payments for their children.

  • Logic compels the wise, while fools feel compelled by emotions.

  • The shepherds compelled the stray sheep into the fold as night began to fall.

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The new evidence will blank the judge to reconsider the verdict immediately.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

From Middle English compellen, borrowed from Middle French compellir, from Latin compellere, itself from com- (“together”) + pellere (“to drive”). Displaced native Old English nīedan.