Compels

Compels is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb compel. To compel someone is to force or oblige them to do something, or to bring about a required action through pressure, authority, or necessity. The term often emphasizes external influence rather than voluntary agreement and can apply to actions, behaviors, or obligations that are mandated.

Etymology and form: Compel comes from the Latin compellere, formed from com- (together) and pellere (to drive). The modern verb retains this sense of driving someone toward a course of action. In sentences, compels is used with a direct object and an infinitive or with the noun form of obligation, as in “The rule compels employees to submit reports” or “The law compels compliance with the order.”

Usage notes: Compel is a transitive verb. Common constructions include compel someone to do something, compel adherence or compliance, and be compelled to + verb. It can appear in active voice (The regulation compels producers to label ingredients) or in passive voice (Producers are compelled to label ingredients). The term is often more formal or authoritative than synonyms like force or require, and it is distinct from coerce, which can imply threat or intimidation, and oblige, which can carry a sense of moral or contractual duty.

Legal and policy context: In law, compulsion refers to mandatory processes such as subpoenas or court orders that compel testimony or the production of evidence. A person or entity may be described as compellable or compelled by a legal authority.

See also: compel, compellability, compulsion, coercion, obligation, subpoena.