COMPEL


Meaning of COMPEL in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ kəm-ˈpel ]

transitive verb

( com·pelled ; com·pel·ling )

Etymology: Middle English compellen, from Anglo-French compeller, from Latin compellere, from com- + pellere to drive — more at felt

Date: 14th century

1. : to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly

hunger compelled him to eat

2. : to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure

public opinion compelled her to sign the bill

3. archaic : to drive together

Synonyms: see force

• com·pel·la·ble -ˈpe-lə-bəl adjective

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.