compulsory
UK: kəmˈpʌlsəri | US: kəmˈpʌlsəri
adj. required by law or rule; mandatory
adj. involving or exercising compulsion; coercive
The word "compulsory" originates from Latin compulsus, the past participle of compellere ("to drive together, force"). The morpheme com- (with/together) intensifies the action of -puls- (from pellere, "to push/drive"), reflecting the idea of being "driven by force." The suffix -ory turns it into an adjective, giving the modern sense of "mandatory" or "enforced." Historically, it evolved from physical coercion to broader legal or social obligation.
Attendance at the meeting is compulsory for all employees.
The country abolished compulsory military service in 2020.
She resented the compulsory nature of the school uniform policy.
Compulsory education laws ensure children receive basic schooling.
The court issued a compulsory order for the documents to be submitted.