Compelled vs. Impelled – Which is Correct?

While often used interchangeably, compelled and impelled carry distinct nuances in motivation. Compelled implies an external force or obligation dictating an action, often against one’s will. Impelled, conversely, suggests an internal drive, strong feeling, or instinct pushing someone to act. Both are correct, but their usage depends on the source of the motivation.

Compelled or Impelled – Which is Correct?

Both “compelled” and “impelled” are grammatically correct and valid words in American English, but they describe different sources of motivation for an action. The key distinction lies in whether the driving force is external or internal. Think of it this way: if you are compelled, something outside of you is making you do it. If you are impelled, something inside of you is pushing you forward. A simple “Swap Test” might involve asking: “Was this action driven by an outside force or an inner urge?”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Compelled	Verb (past participle)	Forced or obliged to do something, typically by an external power or pressure.	The witness felt compelled to testify after receiving a subpoena.
Impelled	Verb (past participle)	Driven, urged, or inspired to do something, typically by an internal feeling or strong desire.	She felt impelled by her conscience to help the less fortunate.

How to Use Compelled

The word compelled is used when an action is taken due to an external force, obligation, or strong pressure. This pressure can be legal, social, moral, or circumstantial, and it often implies a lack of free choice or a sense of being forced. It can convey a tone of reluctance or inevitability. While the action is performed, the motivation originates from outside the individual.

Example 1: The company was compelled by law to recall the defective products.

Example 2: Despite his exhaustion, he felt compelled to finish the report before dawn.

Example 3: Her empathy compelled her to offer assistance to the stranded traveler.

What are the different forms of Compelled?

The verb “compel” is regular. Its forms include:

• Present Tense: compel (I compel), compels (he compels)
• Present Participle: compelling (She is compelling them.)
• Past Tense: compelled (He compelled them.)
• Past Participle: compelled (They were compelled.)

Etymology of the word Compelled

The word “compel” originates from the Latin compellere, meaning “to drive together, to force.” It is formed from com- (meaning “with, together”) and pellere (meaning “to drive”). Its usage in English dates back to the late 14th century, maintaining its core meaning of forcing or driving by external means.

How to Use Impelled

The word impelled is used when an action is driven by an internal force, such as a strong emotion, conviction, desire, or instinct. It suggests an inner urge or motivation that propels someone forward, often with a sense of purpose or passion. The action is usually voluntary, even if the internal feeling is overwhelming, and it does not imply external coercion.

Example 1: A deep sense of injustice impelled her to join the protest.

Example 2: The artist was impelled by his vision to create a masterpiece.

Example 3: He felt an urgent curiosity that impelled him to explore the ancient ruins.

What are the different forms of Impelled?

The verb “impel” is regular. Its forms include:

• Present Tense: impel (I impel), impels (she impels)
• Present Participle: impelling (The idea is impelling him.)
• Past Tense: impelled (She impelled him.)
• Past Participle: impelled (He was impelled.)

Etymology of the word Impelled

The word “impel” comes from the Latin impellere, meaning “to drive on, to strike against, to urge.” It is derived from in- (meaning “into, toward”) and pellere (meaning “to drive”). English adopted the word in the early 15th century, retaining its sense of an internal push or drive.

Related Concepts

Understanding the distinction between compelled and impelled can be clarified by considering the concepts of external vs. internal motivation. External motivation arises from outside forces, such as rewards, punishments, rules, or social expectations. Internal motivation, on the other hand, comes from within an individual, driven by personal interest, values, curiosity, or a sense of purpose. When you are compelled, your motivation is external; when you are impelled, your motivation is internal. Recognizing the source of the drive helps pinpoint the correct word choice.

Examples from Media and Literature

• In George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, Winston is ultimately compelled to betray Julia under torture, demonstrating the extreme power of external coercion.
• In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck is often impelled by his conscience and sense of humanity to help Jim, despite societal norms.
• A news report might state, “The government was compelled to release the documents after a court order,” indicating a legal obligation.
• A character in a novel might declare, “I felt impelled to write down my thoughts, as if a story was bursting to escape,” highlighting an inner creative drive.
• In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Hamlet is impelled by the ghost of his father to seek revenge, driven by a powerful sense of duty and grief.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The sudden urge to travel abroad _____ her to quit her job and buy a plane ticket.
2. He felt _____ by his supervisor to work overtime, even though he had prior commitments.
3. A strong moral conviction _____ him to speak out against the injustice.
4. Due to the rising sea levels, the coastal community was _____ to evacuate their homes.
5. She was _____ by a restless spirit to constantly seek new adventures.

Answer Key

1. impelled
2. compelled
3. impelled
4. compelled
5. impelled

Compelled Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Forced	Made to do something against one’s will.
Obliged	Under a moral or legal duty to do something.
Constrained	Severely restricted in scope or extent, or forced to do something.
Pressured	Convinced or coerced into doing something.
Coerced	Persuaded to do something by using force or threats.

Impelled Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Driven	Motivated or determined by a particular factor.
Urged	Encouraged or stimulated to do something.
Motivated	Provided with a motive for acting in a particular way.
Propelled	Driven, pushed, or caused to move in a particular direction.
Inspired	Filled with the urge or ability to do something creative or exceptional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “compelled” and “impelled” ever be used interchangeably?
While their meanings are distinct, in very casual conversation, some might use them loosely. However, for precise communication, especially in formal writing, it’s crucial to distinguish between external force (compelled) and internal drive (impelled).

Question 2: Does “compelled” always imply a negative experience?
Not necessarily. While it often implies a lack of free choice, being compelled can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, such as being compelled by a sense of duty to help someone, or compelled by circumstances to innovate. The key is the external source of the push, not always the outcome.

Question 3: Is there a noun form for “impelled” or “compelled”?
Yes, the noun forms are “compulsion” and “impulsion.” “Compulsion” refers to an irresistible urge to act, often against one’s conscious wishes, or the act of compelling. “Impulsion” refers to the act of impelling or the force that impels, often an inner drive or impulse.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between compelled and impelled hinges on identifying the source of motivation: external force versus internal drive. Compelled actions are dictated by outside pressures or obligations, whereas impelled actions stem from an inner urge, desire, or conviction. Using these words accurately enhances clarity and precision in your communication. Pro Tip: When choosing between these two, consider whether the subject is reacting to an external push or acting upon an internal pull. This distinction can significantly impact the interpretation of your message and reflects a strong command of the English language.