compulsory
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/kəmˈpʌlsəri/
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Something that must be done or obeyed.
Examples
Employees are subject to compulsory safety training before operating machinery.
Parents cannot opt out of the compulsory vaccination program for public schools.
The policy led to compulsory compliance through heavy fines.
The city council passed a compulsory recycling ordinance last year.
The committee applied compulsory measures to suppress dissent.
Similar words
oppressive
statutory
binding
compelling
constraining
forceful
required
coercive
authoritarian
mandatoryMeanings
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
mandatoryobligatory
required
enforced
binding
statutory
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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