compel
To force or drive someone to do something; to be irresistibly interesting
Examples
In a meeting
“Market conditions compel us to reconsider our pricing strategy.”
Over coffee
“I felt compelled to speak up when I saw what was happening.”
Why this word
force
compel emphasizes using authority or overwhelming pressure to make someone act, while force is more physical and coercive
make
compel has a formal register and suggests irresistible pressure or obligation, while make is casual and less specific about the mechanism
persuade
compel implies removing choice through pressure or authority, while persuade means convincing someone who retains free choice
Usage tip
Can indicate external pressure or internal motivation; 'compelling' means powerfully interesting
Etymology
Latin 'compellere' meaning 'to drive together' (from 'com-' together + 'pellere' to drive)
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Related words
incentivize
Motivate someone by offering rewards or benefits
deter
To discourage someone from taking an action
prompt
To cause or encourage an action or response
galvanize
To shock or excite someone into taking action
incentive
A motivating factor or reward that encourages action
galvanizing
Shocking or exciting someone into taking action