compel

Everyday

1. (formal) To force someone to do something, by law, rules or strong pressure (be compelled to). tree →
2. To cause a strong feeling or reaction (compel attention). tree →

In the lessons

Formal and exam language: «Students are compelled to wear uniform». In stories: «She felt compelled to help». Adjective «compelling» means very interesting or convincing (a compelling story, compelling evidence).

Examples

• The law compels drivers to wear seatbelts. tree →
• Rain compelled us to cancel the picnic. tree →
• He felt compelled to tell the truth. tree →
• No one can compel you to say something untrue. tree →
• The storm compelled the ship to return. tree →
• It was a compelling book I couldn't put down. tree →
• But it was no use; something stronger than himself compelled him to keep them there. tree →

Note

Double l before -ed and -ing: compelled, compelling. Noun: compulsion; adjective compulsory (must be done). Formal: everyday words are force or make.

In Jewish tradition

To force someone.

Interpretation. The Talmud notes that at Ahasuerus's feast, drinking was not forced, which the tradition sees as a rare kindness in a feast otherwise seen as excessive.

Examples

• And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel; for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure. (Writings EST.1.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Double l before -ed and -ing: compelled, compelling. Noun: compulsion; adjective compulsory (must be done). Formal: everyday words are force or make.