v.tr. (compelled, compelling) 1 (usu. foll. by to + infin.) force, constrain (compelled them to admit it). 2 bring about (an action) by force (compel submission). 3 (as compelling adj.) rousing strong interest, attention, conviction, or admiration. 4 archaic drive forcibly. compellable adj. compellingly adv.
[ ME f. L compellere compuls- (as COM-, pellere drive) ]