Compulsory

Compulsory is an adjective describing something that is required by law, rule, or policy rather than by choice. It denotes obligations that individuals or organizations must fulfill under a legal framework. The term traces to Latin compellere, meaning “to drive or force,” via French and English usage, and entered the language in the early modern period.

Common uses include compulsory education, where children must attend school up to a certain age; compulsory military service, where citizens may be obligated to serve; and in certain jurisdictions, compulsory voting, where eligible citizens are required to vote under penalties. The exact form and enforceability of these obligations vary by country and legal system.

In everyday language, compulsory is often used interchangeably with mandatory or obligatory, but there are nuance differences: compulsory emphasizes a legal requirement, whereas mandatory or obligatory can be used in normative statements or moral duties.

Policy debates around compulsion arise in areas such as education, health, and civic life. Proponents argue that compulsion can ensure access, participation, or social equity, while critics caution that it can infringe on individual autonomy and raise concerns about enforcement, fairness, and exemptions. Exemptions for medical, religious, or other grounds are commonly provided in many jurisdictions.