Compel Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)
compel
verb
compels;
compelled;
compelling
compel
/kəmˈpɛl/
verb
compels;
compelled;
compelling
Britannica Dictionary definition of COMPEL
[+ object]
1
:
to force (someone) to do something
- Illness compelled him to stay in bed.
- Public opinion compelled [=_obliged_] her to sign the bill.
- I feel compelled to leave. [=I feel that I must leave]
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2
:
to make (something) happen
:
to force (something)
- We took steps to compel their cooperation.
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