compel

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To force someone to do something.

   The new rules compel all drivers to wear seatbelts.

2. 2
   verb

   To make something seem necessary or strongly motivate it.

   The gripping story compelled me to keep reading until dawn.

From Middle English compellen, borrowed from Middle French compellir, from Latin compellere, itself from com- (“together”) + pellere (“to drive”). Displaced native Old English nīedan.

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