Compel vs. Forced: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 13, 2023
Compel is to urge someone strongly to do something, often through moral or emotional pressure, while forced implies making someone do something against their will, often through physical or direct coercion.
Key Differences
Compel often involves exerting a strong, persuasive force, encouraging or obliging someone to act in a certain way, usually through non-physical means. Forced suggests coercion or compulsion through physical means or direct pressure, leaving little to no choice.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
To compel someone can imply using arguments, moral persuasion, or emotional appeal to influence their actions or decisions. Being forced indicates a lack of freedom or autonomy, often involving external physical or authoritative pressure.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Compel may also convey a sense of irresistibility, where one feels internally driven to act due to compelling reasons or motivations. In contrast, forced actions are typically involuntary, imposed by external factors or entities.
Huma Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Compelling situations or arguments carry a sense of urgency or importance that persuades someone to act. Forced situations, however, are those in which individuals find themselves without a viable alternative, often against their wishes.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
In legal or formal contexts, to compel can mean to require someone to do something by law or authority. Forced, on the other hand, is used to describe actions taken under duress or coercion, which may sometimes be against legal or ethical standards.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Means of Influence
Persuasion, moral or emotional pressure.
Physical force, coercion, or authoritative demand.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Voluntariness
Often involves an element of internal agreement or acquiescence.
Implies a lack of choice or autonomy.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Type of Pressure
Can be psychological, emotional, or based on logical arguments.
Typically external, often physical or authoritative.
Huma Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Context of Use
Used in persuasive, legal, or motivational contexts.
Used when describing actions done under duress or compulsion.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Implication of Willingness
May imply some degree of willingness or internal motivation.
Suggests actions are against one's will or preference.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
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Compel and Forced Definitions
Compel
To cause someone to do something by moral or emotional force.
His sense of duty compelled him to volunteer for the task.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
Forced
Made to do something against one's will.
He felt forced to agree due to the intense pressure.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Compel
To obligate someone to act in a certain way.
The contract compelled her to finish the work within a month.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
Forced
Required to act by physical or authoritative means.
The employees were forced to work overtime.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Compel
To exert a strong persuasive influence on someone.
Her passionate speech compelled the audience to take action.
Huma Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
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Forced
Coerced into action by external factors.
The sudden storm forced them to seek shelter.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Compel
To urge or drive someone forcefully to do something.
The evidence was so strong, it compelled the jury to return a guilty verdict.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Forced
Done or produced under compulsion or duress.
The confession was obtained through forced methods.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Compel
To necessitate or require an action or response.
The circumstances compelled him to change his plans.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Forced
Imposed without consent or choice.
Her move to the new city was forced by the company's policies.
Huma Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Compel
To force (a person) to do something; drive or constrain
The court compelled the company to pay full restitution. My conscience compels me to speak out.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 02, 2022
Forced
Imposed by force; involuntary
Was condemned to a life of forced labor.
A plane that made a forced landing.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 02, 2022
Compel
To necessitate or require, as by force of circumstance; demand
Growing riots compelled the evacuation of the embassy.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 02, 2022
Compel
To exert a strong, irresistible force on; sway
"The land, in a certain, very real way, compels the minds of the people" (Barry Lopez).
Sumera Saeed
Dec 02, 2022
Forced
Obtained forcefully, not naturally.
The forced labor went on for 14 years.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 02, 2022
FAQs
What does it mean to compel someone?
To strongly persuade or influence someone to do something.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Can laws compel behavior?
Yes, laws can compel certain actions or compliance.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
Can you compel without forcing?
Yes, compelling often involves persuasion rather than force.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Can you be forced to testify?
In some legal situations, yes, under a subpoena.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Is being forced always negative?
Typically, yes, as it implies lack of choice or autonomy.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Are forced decisions valid?
They may be legally or ethically questionable if made under duress.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Can compelling be positive?
Yes, if it leads to beneficial actions or decisions.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
What makes an argument compelling?
Clear, persuasive logic or strong emotional appeal.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
What are compelling reasons?
Strong, persuasive reasons that urge someone to act.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
How does compelling relate to motivation?
Compelling can motivate through strong reasons or emotional appeal.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Is forced labor illegal?
Yes, in most contexts, forced labor is considered illegal.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
Does compelling imply urgency?
Often, it suggests a strong, immediate need to act.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Can compelling be used in advertising?
Yes, compelling advertising persuades effectively.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
What is an example of being forced?
Being coerced to sign a document under threat.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
What does a forced smile mean?
A smile that is insincere or done unwillingly.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
Can natural events force actions?
Yes, like being forced to evacuate due to a hurricane.
Janet White
Nov 13, 2023
Is physical force necessary to be forced?
Often, but it can also be authoritative or situational pressure.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 13, 2023
Is being forced always explicit?
Not always; it can be implicit or subtle in some cases.
Harlon Moss
Nov 13, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
