英语易混淆词汇辨析：compel, constrain, force, oblige

compel, constrain, force, oblige这一组动词都有“强迫”的意思。

oblige v. (因法律、习俗等)强迫，迫使，常常用于被动。

We are obliged to stop the car at a red light.

我们遇到红灯时必须停车。

compel v.强迫，迫使，常表示运用权利、力量迫使对方做某事;

有时也表示"别无办法，不得不做"。

His illness compelled him to stay in bed. 他的病迫使他卧床休息。

constrain v.力劝，强迫，与compel意思相近，但更多强调内心情感(如道德、怜悯等)的强迫和限制作用，一般用于正式的场合。

As an artist he didn't consider himself constrained by the same rules of social conduct as other people.

他认为自己是艺术家，不必象一般人那样要受到社会行为准则的约束。

force v.强迫，迫使，暴力威胁的意味较浓，常用于被动语态。

The thief forced her to hand over the money.

强盗逼迫她把钱交出来。