compel

One entry found for compel.

Main Entry: com·pel
Pronunciation: k&m-'pel
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
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
synonym see FORCE
- com·pel·la·ble /-'pe-l&-b&l/ adjective