verb

compel

to force, to oblige

The law will compel companies to reduce pollution.

The law will compel companies to reduce pollution.

His sense of duty compelled him to act.

His sense of duty compelled him to act.

((sb.)) ((to-inf)) to force (sb.) to do (sth.) The law will compel companies to reduce pollution.

Synonyms: force, oblige, coerce; Antonyms: allow, permit

From Latin 'com-' (together) + 'pellere' (to drive). Literally 'to drive together'.

Think of being 'pushed' ('pel') 'with' ('com') great force to do something.

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