compellor

Compellor is a noun formed from the verb compel. It denotes an agent that causes others to take a specific action or to adopt a belief. In standard usage, compellor is uncommon; more frequent terms include coercer, force, or persuader, depending on the context. The term can also refer to mechanisms—technological, social, or institutional—that produce obedience or compliance.

In fiction and speculative contexts, compellor is widely used as a label for devices, powers, or characters that compel obedience. Such compellors may operate through mind control, hypnosis, neurotechnology, magical influence, or overwhelming social pressure. The concept is typically fictional and used as a narrative device rather than a description of real-world technology; when used, the specific mechanism varies by work and author.

Etymology and usage: from Latin compellere, meaning to drive together or drive away, with agent-noun suffix -or. The term is rare in formal writing and is more often seen in discussions of rhetoric, fantasy, or science fiction where coercive influence is central.

See also: compel, coercion, mind control, coercive device.