compulsory

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/kəmˈpʌlsəri/
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Something that must be done or obeyed.
Practice using compulsory in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The compulsory school attendance law applies to children aged six to sixteen.
  • He felt the compulsory nature of the interview was intimidating.
  • The policy led to compulsory compliance through heavy fines.
  • Employees are subject to compulsory safety training before operating machinery.
  • The regime enforced compulsory labor on the occupied territories.

Similar words

constraining
binding
compelling
coercive
obligatory
forceful
required
oppressive
statutory
mandatory

Meanings

Required by rule or law

adjective
legal
neutral
Something that must be done because a rule, regulation, or authority says so.

Examples

  • The compulsory school attendance law applies to children aged six to sixteen.
  • All drivers must carry compulsory insurance as required by the traffic act.
  • The university introduced a compulsory ethics course for every freshman.
  • Employees are subject to compulsory safety training before operating machinery.
  • The city council passed a compulsory recycling ordinance last year.
  • Parents cannot opt out of the compulsory vaccination program for public schools.

Similar words

mandatory
obligatory
required
enforced
binding
statutory

Using force or coercion

adjective
social
neutral
Involving or carried out by force or compulsion.

Examples

  • The regime enforced compulsory labor on the occupied territories.
  • During the crisis, the authorities introduced compulsory curfew to control movement.
  • The committee applied compulsory measures to suppress dissent.
  • He felt the compulsory nature of the interview was intimidating.
  • The policy led to compulsory compliance through heavy fines.
  • The court ordered compulsory restitution from the defendant.

Similar words

coercive
forceful
oppressive
authoritarian
constraining
compelling

Etymology

From Medieval Latin compulsorius, formed on the verb compellere ‘to compel’ + -orius.

FAQ

What does compulsory mean?

It describes something that must be done or obeyed.

What does compulsory mean in a legal context?

It refers to something required by rule or law.

What does compulsory mean in a social context?

It describes something carried out by force or coercion.

What are common synonyms for compulsory?

mandatory, obligatory, required, enforced, binding, statutory, coercive, forceful, oppressive, authoritarian, constraining, compelling.

How is compulsory different from optional?

Compulsory means required, while optional means left to choice.

What is the opposite of compulsory?

The opposite is voluntary or optional.

Where does the word compulsory come from?

It comes from Medieval Latin compulsorius, formed on the verb compellere ‘to compel’ plus the suffix -orius.

What register is compulsory used in?

It is a neutral term used in both legal and social contexts.

Can compulsory describe actions that are forced?

Yes, it can describe actions carried out by force or coercion.

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