Crossword Genius

Compelled former pupil to get dial fixed (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

obligated

'compelled' is the definition.
('obligate' can be a synonym of 'compel')

'former pupil to get dial fixed' is the wordplay.
'former pupil' becomes 'OB' (abbreviation for 'Old Boy').
'to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'fixed' indicates an anagram.
'get'+'dial'='getdial'
'getdial' anagrammed gives 'ligated'.
'ob'+'ligated'='OBLIGATED'

(Other definitions for obligated that I've seen before include "in debt" , "Bound" , "Morally compelled" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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