compel

S2 W2

BrE /kəmˈpɛl/ AmE /kəmˈpel/

verb en → es

past compelled pp compelled ing compelling

1 FORCE/COERCE [transitive] B1

to force someone to do something, especially by using authority or power

obligar, forzar a alguien a hacer algo

  • compel somebody to do something

Collocations compel someone to testify · compel someone to pay

  • The court compelled him to testify.

    El tribunal lo obligó a declarar.

2 NECESSITY [transitive] B2

to make someone feel that they must do something, because of strong feelings or beliefs

hacer sentir que alguien debe hacer algo

  • compel somebody to do something

Collocations compel someone to act · compel someone to believe

  • His conscience compelled him to speak out.

    Su conciencia lo obligó a hablar.