To compel means to make someone do something because there is strong pressure or a rule. People may feel they have no choice but to do it.
The teacher can compel students to study.
Laws compel people to pay taxes.
In this meaning, to compel means to push or cause something to move with power or effort. It shows force pushing something ahead.
Strong winds compel the ship to move fast.
The need to survive compels animals to hunt.
Here, to compel means to cause someone to feel something strongly, like interest or emotion. It attracts or holds their feelings or attention.
The movie’s story can compel strong emotions.
Her voice compels attention from the crowd.
To compel can mean to get or win something, like respect or admiration, by showing strong qualities or power.
Good reasons can compel respect from others.
Her skill compels admiration everywhere.
In legal terms, to compel means to officially make someone do something, like going to court or giving information, often by law or order.
The court can compel witnesses to come.
Laws compel defendants to answer questions.
This use means to take and keep someone's attention strongly so they cannot stop watching or listening.
Her speech compels the audience’s full attention.
The story compels readers to keep reading.
