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compel
[/kəmˈpɛl/]
verb
compelir
1.
To force someone to do something against their will
The law compels citizens to pay taxes.
A lei compele os cidadãos a pagar impostos.
2.
To cause something to happen as a result of pressure or necessity
Circumstances compelled him to leave the country.
As circunstâncias o compeliam a deixar o país.
3.
To attract or hold someone's attention irresistibly
Her performance was so compelling that the audience was captivated.
Sua apresentação foi tão irresistível que o público ficou cativado.
Synonyms
force
oblige
coerce
constrain
impel
urge
Antonyms
allow
permit
free
release
discourage
Regional Variations
General Brazilian
compelir
Most common form in Brazilian Portuguese
General Brazilian
forçar
Common alternative meaning 'to force'
Portugal
compelir
Standard form in European Portuguese
Portugal
obrigar
Common alternative meaning 'to oblige'
Related Idioms & Phrases
compel attention
compel someone to do something
feel compelled to
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