for a special purpose; the term
_convention_ suggests less dependence upon any superior authority or
summons. A _group_ is small in number and distinct in outline, clearly
marked off from all else in space or time. _Collection_, _crowd_,
_gathering_, _group_, and _multitude_ have the unorganized and
promiscuous character of the _assemblage_; the other terms come under
the general idea of _assembly_. _Congregation_ is now almost exclusively
religious; _meeting_ is often so used, but is less restricted, as we may
speak of a _meeting_ of armed men. _Gathering_ refers to a coming
together, commonly of numbers, from far and near; as, the _gathering_ of
the Scottish clans.

Antonyms:

dispersion, loneliness, privacy, retirement, seclusion, solitude.

* * * * *

COMPEL.

Synonyms:

coerce, drive, make, oblige.
constrain, force, necessitate,

To _compel_ one to an act is to secure its performance by the use of
irresistible physical or moral force. _Force_ implies primarily an
actual physical process, absolutely subduing all resistance. _Coerce_
implies the actual or potential use of so much force as may be necessary
to secure the surrender of the will; the American secessionists
contended that the Federal government had no right to _coerce_ a State.
_Constrain_ implies the yielding of judgment and will, and in some cases
of inclination or affection, to an overmastering power; as, "the love of
Christ _constraineth_ us," _2 Cor._ v, 14. Compare DRIVE; INFLUENCE.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for HINDER.

Prepositions:

The soldiers were compelled _to_ desertion: preferably with the
infinitive, compelled _to_ desert.

* * * * *

COMPLAIN.

Synonyms:

croak, growl, grunt, remonstrate,
find fault, grumble, murmur, repine.

To _complain_ is to give utterance to dissatisfaction or objection,
express a sense of wrong or ill treatment. One _complains_ of a real or
assumed grievance; he may _murmur_ through mere peevishness or ill
temper; he _repines_, with vain distress, at the irrevocable or the
inevitable. _Complaining_ is by speech or writing; _murmuring_ is
commonly said of half-repressed utterance; _repining_ of the mental act
alone. One may _complain_ of an offense to the offender or to others; he
_remonstrates_ with the offender only. _Complain_ has a formal and legal
meaning, which the other words ha