verb
-
to urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate
-
to push, drive, or force into motion
Related Words
See compel.
Other Word Forms
- impellent noun
- unimpelled adjective
Etymology
Origin of impel
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A sense of duty, rooted for many in a profound Christian faith, impelled each to take extraordinary risks.
Those close to Newby say his faith has fueled his political ambition, impelling him to defend what he sees as “biblically based” American systems from secular attacks.
From Salon
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
