C1verbformalpsychology
US/kəmˈpel/
UK/kəmˈpel/
to force someone to do something, or to make them feel they must do it
In context
Rising rents compelled many young families to move to the suburbs.
I felt compelled to speak up when my colleague was treated unfairly.
The new law compels employers to give workers regular health checks.
Words that go with compel
verb + preposition
- compel someone toNobody can compel you to sign a contract you disagree with.
- compelled byHe was compelled by poverty to leave school at fourteen.
adverb + verb
- legally compelledThe company was legally compelled to recall the faulty cars.
- morally compelledShe felt morally compelled to report the abuse to the police.
adjective + noun
- compelling evidenceThere is compelling evidence that regular exercise improves mood.
- compelling reasonWithout a compelling reason, doctors are unlikely to change the treatment.