Compelled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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compelled
[kəmˈpɛld ]
Definitions
feeling
Forced or driven to do something
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| compelled |
Use this when someone feels strongly driven or has a powerful desire to do something, often due to internal reasons or emotions.
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| obliged |
This word is suitable when someone feels a sense of duty or social responsibility to do something, often as a result of a favor or social expectation, not necessarily against their will.
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| forced |
Use this when someone is made to do something by an external power or authority, often involving physical power or strong pressure. It can have a negative connotation.
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| coerced |
This term is appropriate when someone is pressured or threatened into doing something against their will, often involving force or intimidation. It has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- I felt compelled to apologize for my mistake.
- She was compelled to tell the truth by her guilty conscience.
legal
To legally require or oblige someone to do something
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| compelled |
Use this word when someone is driven to do something due to an emotional or moral force. It often implies pressure or an irresistible urge.
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| mandate |
Use this word when an official order or commission is given to do something. It is common in formal, legal, and organizational contexts.
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| require |
Use this word when something is needed or necessary. It is more neutral and less forceful than 'compelled' or 'force.'
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| enforce |
Use this word in the context of making sure that laws, rules, or standards are followed. It implies an implementation of authority.
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Examples of usage
- The court compelled the witness to testify.
- The law compelled him to pay a fine for his actions.
psychology
An irresistible urge to do something
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| compelled |
Typically used when someone feels forced to do something due to external pressure or a strong sense of duty.
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| urge |
Describes a strong desire or impulse to do something, often immediate and compelling.
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| instinct |
Refers to an innate, often biological, impulse that guides behavior, usually without conscious thought.
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| drive |
Used to describe a person's motivation or ambition to achieve something, often long-term and focused.
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Examples of usage
- She felt a compelling need to help those in need.
- The compelling desire to explore new horizons motivated her to travel the world.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often feel compelled to act when they encounter social pressures or emotional triggers, highlighting the power of external influences.
- The feeling of being compelled can sometimes lead to compulsive behaviors, where individuals struggle to resist certain actions or thoughts.
Literature
- Many characters in classic literature, such as in Shakespeare's plays, grapple with feelings of being compelled to fulfill their destinies or desires.
- The theme of compulsion often explores internal conflict, revealing how characters react under pressure, deepening their narratives.
Pop Culture
- In movies, protagonists often face moments where they feel compelled to make significant choices, often leading to pivotal plot twists.
- Songs frequently express feelings of being compelled to love or leave someone, resonating with relatable human emotions.
Law
- In legal contexts, being compelled can refer to situations where individuals must testify or provide evidence due to legal obligations.
- The concept of compelled behavior is also explored in discussions regarding consent and coercion, which are crucial in ethical legal practices.
Origin of 'compelled'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'compellere', where 'com-' means 'together' and 'pellere' means 'to push', reflecting a forceful drive.
- In Middle English, it was used as 'compeled', showing how its meaning has remained consistent through time.
The word 'compelled' originated from the Latin word 'compellere', which means 'to drive together, force, or compel'. Over time, the meaning of 'compelled' has evolved to encompass both a sense of obligation and an irresistible urge. The concept of being compelled to do something has been explored in various fields such as psychology, law, and ethics.
See also: compelling, compellingly, compellingness, compulsion, uncompelling.