impel

[im-pel]

verb (used with object)

impelled, impelling 

1. to drive or urge forward; press on; incite or constrain to action.

   Synonyms: actuate
   Antonyms: restrain

2. to drive or cause to move onward; propel; impart motion to.

impel

/ ɪmˈpɛl /

verb

1. to urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate

2. to push, drive, or force into motion

Other Word Forms

• impellent noun
• unimpelled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of impel¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English impellen, from Latin impellere “to strike against, set in motion,” from im- im- ¹ + pellere “to strike, move”; pulse ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of impel¹

C15: from Latin impellere to push against, drive forward, from _im- (in) + pellere to drive, push, strike

Synonym Study

See compel.

Example Sentences

The language of the play moves freely from the declamatory to the profane, with some of its funniest moments occurring when fury impels a character to unleash some naughty modern vernacular.

From Los Angeles Times

Wilzek, the novel’s unlikely hero, does look closely, and what he sees impels him to take a moral stand.

From Los Angeles Times

The rules of Washington would normally impel a person at Esper’s level to seek cover for his actions.

From Salon

At Lawson’s urging, they refused bail, which impelled hundreds of other students to join the crusade against segregated interstate travel.

From Los Angeles Times

"I suspect that institutional caution on their part will impel them towards not upholding the disqualification of Donald Trump," Prof Issacharoff said.

From BBC

Related Words

• compel 
• induce 
• oblige