Compel — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /kəm-ˈpel/ com·pel

Meaning & Definition of Compel

Compel (verb)

  1. to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly
  2. to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure
  3. to drive together

Compel (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

    "public opinion compelled her to fire her scandal-plagued aide"

    similar: blackjack, coerce, constrain, dragoon, drive, force, impel, impress, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure, sandbag, twist one's arm
    related: browbeat, bulldoze, bully, cow, hector, intimidate, blackmail, high-pressure, menace, shame, terrorize, threaten, drag, badger, harass, hound
    near: allow, let, permit, argue, convince, induce, move, persuade, prevail (on or upon), satisfy, talk (into), win (over)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Compel

The most common words with a similar meaning to Compel:

blackjack, coerce, constrain, dragoon, drive, force, impel, impress, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure, sandbag, twist one's arm

Related Words for Compel

browbeat, bulldoze, bully, cow, hector, intimidate, blackmail, high-pressure, menace, shame, terrorize, threaten, drag, badger, harass, hound

Near Antonyms of Compel

allow, let, permit, argue, convince, induce, move, persuade, prevail (on or upon), satisfy, talk (into), win (over)

Word Forms of Compel

Inflections: compelled, compelling

Derived words: compellable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Compel

Middle English compeller "to coerce, force, constrain," borrowed from Anglo-French compeller, borrowed from Latin compellere "to drive together, force to go, force (to a view, course of action)," from com- com- + pellere "to beat against, push, strike, rouse, impel" pulse:1

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Compel

Frequently Asked Questions about Compel

What does "Compel" mean?

"Compel" means to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly. As a verb, it is defined as: to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly.

What is another word for "Compel"?

Other words for "Compel" include blackjack, coerce, constrain, dragoon, drive, force, impel and impress. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Compel" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Compel"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Compel". Common alternatives include blackjack, coerce, constrain, dragoon, drive, force, impel, impress, make and muscle.

How do you use "Compel" in a sentence?

Examples of "Compel" in a sentence: "public opinion compelled her to fire her scandal-plagued aide".

Is "Compel" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Compel" is a verb.

Is "Compel" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Compel" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Compel"?

"Compel" is pronounced /kəm-ˈpel/ and divided into syllables as com·pel.

What is the origin of the word "Compel"?

"Compel" comes from Middle English compeller "to coerce, force, constrain," borrowed from Anglo-French compeller, borrowed from Latin compellere "to drive together, force to go, force (to a view, course of action)," from com- com- + pellere "to beat against, push, strike, rouse, impel" pulse:1. First known use: 14th century.