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

• unimpelled adjective
• impellent noun

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

A sense of duty, rooted for many in a profound Christian faith, impelled each to take extraordinary risks.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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Related Words

• compel 
• induce 
• oblige