An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To force or oblige (someone) to do something.

Etymology (EN): M.E. compellen, from O.Fr. compellir and directly from L. compellere “to drive together, drive to one place” (of cattle), “to force or compel” (of persons), from → com- “together” + pellere “to drive.”

Etymology (PE): Vadâridan, vâdâr kardan, from vâdâr present stem of vâdâštan “to keep back, restrain, oblige; to provoke, impel, instigate; to hide, conceal,” from vâ-, → de-, + dâr-, dâštan “to hold, have, possess,” → possession.