verb
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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.
Inflation has tapered to 1.7% annually, which may impel the European Central Bank to cut interest rates below their current 2%.
From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026
The rules of Washington would normally impel a person at Esper’s level to seek cover for his actions.
From Salon • Aug. 3, 2024
John Bulkeley, the Wager’s gunner, a weapons expert and “instinctive leader” whose Bible-inspired narrative gifts would impel him to write an indelible account of events.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2023
But Tuesday seemed to outdo them all and to impel our still-wintry Washington air into memorably vigorous motion.
From Washington Post • Mar. 14, 2023
He saw enough in her face to impel him to take her hand and hold it while he said his lingering good night “Will you go to the races again?” he asked.
From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin
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.
