compelling

Compelling is an adjective used to describe something that evokes strong interest, attention, or admiration, or that imposes a sense of urgency or necessity. In everyday language, it often refers to arguments, stories, or evidence that are unusually persuasive or engaging. The sense of compelling can imply both emotional appeal and logical force, though it does not guarantee objective truth.

In rhetoric and storytelling, a compelling argument or narrative is one that convinces or captivates an audience. It may combine clear reasoning, credible evidence, and an engaging presentation. Objects or phenomena can be described as compelling when they attract attention or invite further consideration, such as a compelling photograph or a compelling idea.

In legal and policy contexts, compelling can refer to a standard or justification that is considered especially strong or necessary. For example, a “compelling interest” is a term used to describe a government objective that justifies certain restrictions under strict scrutiny in constitutional law. In these uses, the term conveys imperative importance rather than mere appeal.

Etymology traces compelling to the Latin compellere, meaning to drive together or force. Over time, English usage shifted from a sense of force to a sense of persuasive appeal that can compel agreement or action without coercion. Related terms include persuasive, gripping, and rivetting; antonyms include dull or unconvincing.