Meaning & use
compel
To force or strongly persuade someone to do something, whether through pressure, law, or necessity.
See it in a sentence
The judge's ruling compelled the company to release its internal safety records.
A sudden sense of guilt compelled her to apologize to her old friend.
A note on using this word
Compel often implies an external or moral force leaving little real choice, stronger than simply 'persuading' someone.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
dissuade
Make it your own
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