Compel: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：to force (compel)

compel 🔊

/kəmˈpel/

vt.

To make someone do something they don't want to do, often because of rules or strong reasons.

Illustration of compel meaning: person being forced to be quiet in a library

to force 🔊

➕

/tə ˈfɔːrs/

vt.

To make someone do something against their will, typically through authority, rules, or necessity.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'compellere': com- (together) + pellere (to drive).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'come-pel' – when rules come to pel (push) you into action.

📖 Example

The new library rules compel everyone to speak in whispers. 🔊 This sentence shows how library rules force people to whisper.

🔗 Collocations

compel someone to do something – to force someone to perform a specific action

compel obedience – to force someone to obey

compel attendance – to require someone to be present

🔄 Synonyms

force (vt.) – to make someone do something using strength or power

oblige (vt.) – to make someone feel they must do something due to duty or law

coerce (vt.) – to persuade someone forcefully to do something they are unwilling to do

🚫 Antonyms

allow (vt.) – to give permission for someone to do something

permit (vt.) – to officially allow something to happen

encourage (vt.) – to give support or confidence to someone to do something

🌱 Derivatives

compelling (adj.) – evoking interest or attention in a powerful way

compulsion (n.) – the action or state of being forced to do something

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'compellere', meaning 'to drive together'. Entered English in the 14th century, often used in legal contexts to denote forced compliance. Modern usage includes rules, ethics, and authority scenarios.