compelled
B2Formal, but also used in everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To force someone to do something.
To make something necessary or unavoidable; to have a powerful, irresistible effect on someone's emotions or actions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The past tense and past participle of 'compel'. Implies a strong, often external, pressure that overrides free choice. Can describe physical, legal, or moral force.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The spelling of related words may differ (e.g., BrE 'compelled', AmE also 'compelled').
Connotations
Similar connotations of strong obligation or necessity in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more common in formal/written registers in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be/get] compelled to INFINITIVEcompelled by NOUNVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He/She] felt compelled to... (common introductory phrase)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board was compelled to revise its strategy after the quarterly loss.
Academic
The researcher felt compelled to challenge the prevailing hypothesis.
Everyday
I felt compelled to tell her the truth.
Technical
The system failure compelled a complete reboot of the network.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The judge compelled the witness to appear in court.
- She felt compelled to apologise for the mistake.
American English
- The subpoena compelled him to testify.
- I was compelled to write a letter of complaint.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form: 'compellably' is non-standard)
- He acted compelledly. (Non-standard/awkward)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
- She spoke compelledly. (Non-standard/awkward)
adjective
British English
- His speech was delivered with a compelled air of resignation.
- (Rare as adjective; typically past participle)
American English
- There was nothing compelled about her generous donation.
- (Rare as adjective; typically past participle)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher compelled the students to be quiet.
- Bad weather compelled us to cancel the picnic.
- The new evidence compelled the jury to reconsider their verdict.
- Ethical considerations compelled the scientist to publicly retract the flawed study.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PELLET gun forcing someone to move. COM-PELLED = COMpletely forced.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBLIGATION/EMOTION IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'I was moved/compelled to act').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'компеллировать' (extremely rare/archaic). Use 'вынуждать', 'заставлять', or 'принуждать' instead.
- Distinguish from 'impelled' (more internal drive) vs. 'compelled' (more external force).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'compelled that' (incorrect). Correct: 'compelled to do something'.
- Confusing spelling: 'compeled' (missing 'l').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'compelled' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Compelled' suggests a stronger external force or obligation (often legal or moral). 'Impelled' suggests a strong internal drive or motive.
Yes, e.g., 'I was compelled by her kindness' or 'The beautiful music compelled me to listen.' It suggests an irresistible positive force.
It is always 'compelled to' + base form of verb (infinitive). 'Compelled doing' is grammatically incorrect.
It is more common in formal writing but is perfectly acceptable in spoken English, especially in the common phrase 'felt compelled to...'.
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