Compel

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kÉ™mˈpÉ›l/

Origin

From Middle English compellen, from Middle French compellir, from Latin compellere, itself from com- ("together") + pellere ("to drive"). Displaced native Middle English fordriven ("to drive out, to lead to, to compel, to force"). More at fordrive.

Full definition of compel

Verb

1. (transitive, archaic, literally) To drive together, round up
2. (transitive) To overpower; to subdue.
• 1917, Upton Sinclair, King Coal, ch. 16,She had one of those perfect faces, which irresistibly compel the soul of a man.
3. (transitive) To force, constrain or coerce.Logic compels the wise, while fools feel compelled by emotions.
• 1600, William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, act 5, sc. 1,Against my will,
  As Pompey was, am I compell’d to set
  Upon one battle all our liberties.
• HallamWolsey ... compelled the people to pay up the whole subsidy at once.
4. (transitive) To exact, extort, (make) produce by force.
• ShakespeareCommissions, which compel from each
  The sixth part of his substance.
• 1912, L. Frank Baum, Sky Island, ch. 14,The Queen has nothing but the power to execute the laws, to adjust grievances and to compel order.
5. (obsolete) To force to yield; to overpower; to subjugate.
• DrydenEasy sleep their weary limbs compelled.
• TennysonI compel all creatures to my will.
6. (obsolete) To gather or unite in a crowd or company.
• Drydenin one troop compelled
7. (obsolete) To call forth; to summon.
• SpenserShe had this knight from far compelled.

Derived terms