compellation

noun

com·​pel·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compellation (audio)
-ˌpe-
1
: an act or action of addressing someone
2

Examples of compellation in a Sentence

apparently no one dares to enter the world of professional wrestling without a catchy compellation

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin compellātiōn-, compellātiō "action of addessing, reproaching, reproof," from compellāre "to address, speak to, reprove" (from com- com- + -pellāre, first-conjugation verb formed from the base of pellere "to beat against, push, strike") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at pulse entry 1

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compellation was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near compellation

Cite this Entry

“Compellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compellation. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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