Main Entry: com·pel

Pronunciation: \kəm-ˈpel\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): 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