I think you might mean "compel." "Compel" is a verb that means to force or drive someone to do something. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Force
- Meaning: "Force" implies the use of physical or strong, irresistible pressure to make someone act in a particular way. It can involve actual physical strength or a powerful, non - physical coercion such as legal or social pressure. For example, "The police had to force the suspect into the car." In comparison to "compel," "force" is more direct and often has a more physical or overtly aggressive connotation.
- Example: "They used brute force to compel the protesters to disperse."
2. Coerce
- Meaning: "Coerce" means to persuade someone to do something by using threats or force. It often implies a more psychological kind of pressure. For example, "The kidnappers tried to coerce the victim's family into paying a ransom." Unlike "compel," which can have a sense of a justifiable or necessary push, "coerce" usually has a more negative undertone as it involves an element of intimidation.
- Example: "The dictator coerced the citizens into supporting his regime through fear."
3. Oblige
- Meaning: "Oblige" means to make someone feel it is their duty or obligation to do something. It is a milder form of compulsion that often relies on a sense of moral or social responsibility. For example, "His kind heart obliged him to help the homeless man." In contrast to "compel," "oblige" is more about an internal sense of obligation rather than external force.
- Example: "She felt obliged to attend the meeting because of her position in the company."
4. Drive
- Meaning: "Drive" in this context means to impel or urge someone to act. It can have a sense of motivation that comes from within or from external circumstances. For example, "Hunger drove him to steal food." "Drive" is similar to "compel" in that it implies a force that moves a person to do something, but it can also have a more instinctual or motivational aspect.
- Example: "The need for success drove her to work long hours."