Compel

To compel someone means to force or oblige them to do something. It implies using pressure, either through authority, coercion, or a strong sense of necessity, to make someone act in a particular way. This action can be driven by a sense of duty, legal obligation, threat, or simply the power to influence another's actions. Compelling actions can be either physical or mental, affecting behavior and choices. The degree of pressure varies, from mild persuasion to direct threat or forceful actions, with the ultimate result being that the subject undertakes the action that they would not otherwise do. The action might be against their will or out of a sense of the pressures presented. To compel is more forceful than simply to urge or persuade.

Compel meaning with examples

• The law compelled him to attend court, regardless of his personal feelings about the case. His absence would result in fines, jail time, and a potential negative mark on his future ability to handle a legal case. Facing possible jail time, the man had little choice, but to comply. The situation was outside of his control, and he had little recourse in the matter.
• Feeling a sense of obligation, his conscience compelled him to confess his involvement in the incident. He could not bear the guilt any longer and needed to be honest about his actions. The pressure of his own moral compass and internal conflict with his moral core forced him to face the music of his choices. No one had asked him, but he needed to make it right.
• The evidence presented during the trial compelled the jury to reach a guilty verdict, regardless of the defense's arguments. The overwhelming evidence demonstrated the defendant's guilt. The details of the defendant's activities presented a situation where it could be safely assumed, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant was guilty of the crime.
• Extreme economic circumstances compelled many farmers to sell their land and move to the city, as they could no longer afford to survive. The market forces of the farming environment meant that these choices were the only available option. Their livelihoods and entire way of life were being destroyed by circumstances outside of their ability to manage or control.