compel: Meaning and Definition of

com•pel

Pronunciation: (kum-pel'), [key]
— v., -pelled, -pel•ling.
—v.t.
  1. to force or drive, esp. to a course of action: His disregard of the rules compels us to dismiss him.
  2. to secure or bring about by force.
  3. to force to submit; subdue.
  4. to overpower.
  5. to drive together; unite by force; herd.
—v.i.
  1. to use force.
  2. to have a powerful and irresistible effect, influence, etc.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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