compel

Less common meanings

5. 5
   verbtransitive

   To beat someone and bring them under control by force.

   Like pinning something down so it cannot move.

   The army compelled the rebels after a long siege.

   A skilled wrestler can compel a stronger opponent.

   Similarsubdue, overpower, overcome, subjugate, conquer

   Note
6. 6
   herd animalsverbarchaictransitive

   To drive animals together into one group.

   Like gathering scattered toys into one box.

   The shepherds compelled the sheep into the pen.

   At dusk the herders compel the cattle toward the river.

   Note
7. 7
   overpowerverbobsolete

   To beat someone completely and force them to give in.

   Easy sleep their weary limbs compell'd.

   1697, Virgil, The Works of VirgilHere, compelled means overpowered, as sleep took over their tired bodies.

   And I will fetch you forage from all fields, / For I compel all creatures to my will.

   1859, Alfred Tennyson, “Enid”Here, compel means force to give in completely to the speaker's will.

   Note
8. 8
   call forthverbobsolete

   To call someone or something to come forth.

   She had this knight from far compeld.

   1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie QueeneHere, compeld means called or summoned to come to her.

   the pow'rs that I compel / Shall throw thee hence, and make thy head run ope the gates of hel

   [1611?], Homer, The Iliads of Homer Prince of PoetsHere, compel means call up or summon powers to the speaker.

   Note
9. 9
   gather peopleverbobsolete

   To bring people together into one group.

   in one troop compell'd

   1700, [John] Dryden, “Palamon and Arcite: Or, The Knight’s Tale. In Three Books.”Here, compelled means gathered together into one group.

   Note