Etymology Map
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Compel

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to force

Where does the word "compel" come from? It comes from Latin compellere, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
compellere
Latin · ancient
"to drive together"
'com-' plus 'pellere', to drive
2
Stage 2 of 2
compel
English · 1300s
"to force"
'compelling' as fascinating dates from the 1900s
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Compel’s story begins in Latin: compellere meant “to drive together.” 'com-' plus 'pellere', to drive. It reached English by 1300s as compel. 'compelling' as fascinating dates from the 1900s. Today, compel means to force.