com·pel (k m-p l )tr.v. com·pelled, com·pel·ling, com·pels 1. To force, drive, or constrain: Duty compelled the soldiers to volunteer for the mission. 2. To necessitate or pressure by force; exact: An energy crisis compels fuel conservation. See Synonyms at force. 3. To exert a strong, irresistible force on; sway: "The land, in a certain, very real way, compels the minds of the people" (Barry Lopez). [Middle English compellen, from Latin compellere : com-, com- + pellere, to drive; see pel-5 in Indo-European roots.] com·pel la·ble adj.com·pel la·bly adv.com·pel ler n. |
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