When it comes to getting someone to do something, sometimes you need more than just a polite request. That’s where slang for compel comes into play. Whether you’re trying to convince your friend to watch a new show or get your sibling to do the dishes, knowing the right lingo can make all the difference. Join us as we break down the top phrases and words that pack a punch when you need to get someone to act!
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1. Force someone’s hand
To force someone to make a decision or take action, often by putting them in a difficult position where they have no choice.
- For example, “The company’s financial troubles forced the CEO’s hand, and he had to lay off employees.”
- In a political context, someone might say, “The scandal forced the politician’s hand, and they had to resign.”
- A parent might use this phrase with their child, saying, “If you don’t finish your homework, I’ll have to force your hand and take away your phone.”
2. Twist someone’s arm
To use strong persuasion or pressure to get someone to do something they may not want to do.
- For instance, “I didn’t want to go to the party, but my friends twisted my arm and convinced me.”
- In a business setting, someone might say, “The sales team twisted the client’s arm to sign the contract.”
- A parent might say to their child, “I had to twist your arm to get you to eat your vegetables.”
3. Coerce
To use threats, force, or intimidation to make someone do something against their will.
- For example, “The criminal coerced the witness into changing their testimony.”
- In a workplace scenario, someone might say, “The manager coerced the employees into working overtime.”
- A teacher might discuss the importance of consent and say, “It’s never okay to coerce someone into doing something they don’t want to do.”
4. Strong-arm
To use physical force or intimidation tactics to make someone do something.
- For instance, “The gangsters strong-armed the shop owner into paying protection money.”
- In a political context, someone might say, “The dictator strong-armed the opposition party into submission.”
- A parent might say to their child, “I won’t have to strong-arm you if you just listen and do as you’re told.”
5. Oblige
To feel morally or socially obligated to do something.
- For example, “When a friend asks for help, I feel obliged to assist them.”
- In a professional setting, someone might say, “As a doctor, I am obliged to follow ethical guidelines.”
- A teacher might say to their students, “You are obliged to submit your assignments on time.”
6. Pressure
To pressure someone means to apply force or influence in order to make them do something or act in a certain way. It can involve using persuasion, threats, or manipulation to compel someone to take a particular action.
- For example, a boss might pressure an employee to work overtime by saying, “If you don’t stay late, you won’t get a promotion.”
- In a group project, a team member might pressure others to meet a deadline by saying, “We need to finish this on time or we’ll fail the assignment.”
- A parent might pressure their child to get good grades by saying, “If you want to go to college, you need to study harder.”
7. Drive
To drive someone means to motivate or inspire them to take action or achieve a goal. It involves creating a sense of determination or ambition in someone, pushing them to work towards something.
- For instance, a coach might drive their team to train harder by saying, “If we want to win the championship, we need to give it our all.”
- A teacher might drive their students to excel academically by saying, “You all have the potential to succeed, so let’s work together to reach our goals.”
- A friend might drive another friend to pursue their dreams by saying, “You have so much talent, don’t let fear hold you back. Go after what you want.”
8. Push
To push someone means to encourage or motivate them to take action or make a decision. It involves providing support and guidance, pushing someone in a positive direction.
- For example, a mentor might push their mentee to apply for a job opportunity by saying, “You have the skills and experience, go for it.”
- A friend might push another friend to pursue a new hobby by saying, “You’ve talked about wanting to learn guitar for so long, why not start now?”
- A parent might push their child to try out for a sports team by saying, “You love playing soccer, give it a shot and see what happens.”
9. Nudge
To nudge someone means to give them a gentle push or reminder to do something. It involves subtly encouraging or reminding someone of a task or action they should take.
- For instance, a coworker might nudge their colleague to submit a report by saying, “Don’t forget, the deadline is tomorrow.”
- A partner might nudge their significant other to make dinner plans by saying, “I heard about a new restaurant, we should check it out.”
- A parent might nudge their child to clean their room by saying, “Remember, we have guests coming over later.”
10. Urge
To urge someone means to strongly encourage or persuade them to take a specific action. It involves creating a sense of urgency or importance, compelling someone to act quickly or decisively.
- For example, a doctor might urge their patient to quit smoking by saying, “It’s crucial for your health that you stop smoking immediately.”
- A teacher might urge their students to study for an upcoming exam by saying, “This test will determine your final grade, so make sure you’re prepared.”
- A friend might urge another friend to apologize for a mistake by saying, “It’s important to make amends and repair the relationship.”
11. Impel
To impel means to drive or urge someone to do something. It is often used to describe a strong motivation or force that compels action.
- For example, “His passion for music impelled him to pursue a career in the industry.”
- In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “The desire for success can impel individuals to work harder and achieve their goals.”
- A motivational speaker might encourage their audience by saying, “Find your purpose and let it impel you to greatness.”
12. Enforce
To enforce means to ensure compliance or obedience to a rule, law, or command. It involves using authority or power to compel others to follow.
- For instance, “The police officer enforced the speed limit by issuing tickets to drivers.”
- In a workplace setting, a manager might enforce company policies by implementing consequences for violations.
- A teacher might enforce classroom rules to maintain discipline and create a conducive learning environment.
13. Compulsion
Compulsion refers to an irresistible urge or strong internal force that drives someone to do something. It often implies a lack of control or choice in the matter.
- For example, “He felt a compulsion to check his phone every few minutes.”
- In a discussion about addictive behaviors, someone might say, “Compulsions can be difficult to overcome without professional help.”
- A person might admit, “I have a compulsion to organize and arrange everything in my house.”