impel

verb

im·pel im-ˈpel How to pronounce impel (audio)

impelled; impelling

transitive verb

: to urge or drive forward or on by or as if by the exertion of strong moral pressure : force

felt impelled to correct the misconception

: to impart motion to : propel

Did you know?

Impel vs Compel

Impel is very similar in meaning to compel, and often a perfect synonym, though it tends to suggest even more strongly an inner drive to do something and a greater urgency to act, especially for moral reasons. But when impel takes its noun and adjective forms, it changes slightly. So an impulse—such as "impulse buying", when you suddenly see something cool and know you've got to have it—often isn't based on anything very serious. And impulsive behavior in general, such as blurting out something stupid on the spur of the moment, is the kind of thing you're supposed to get over when you grow up.

Example Sentences

His interest in the American Civil War impelled him to make repeated visits to Gettysburg. She felt impelled to give a speech after the performance.

Recent Examples on the Web Also, the strategic threat of Moscow possibly controlling the entire Crimean coast of Ukraine again, across the Black Sea from Turkey, would impel a return to full dependence on the Nato alliance.

Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 Trade deals should impel U.S. companies to innovate, not force them to compete against foreign firms unrestrained by labor, environmental and intellectual-property standards.

Stephanie Murphy, WSJ, 1 Aug. 2022 This works as a rhetorical move: No one wants to be stuck, and dread of this fate can impel a person to action.

Virginia Heffernan, Wired, 11 July 2022 For months, the countries have introduced tough new measure after tough new measure—at times, within hours of one another—to impel citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19, or face the consequences.

Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2022 Of course, the high-profile role of public officials should impel them to be sticklers about following their own rules.

Rich Lowry, National Review, 3 Aug. 2021 Symptoms include severe mood swings and deep despondency as well as impulses that can impel a mother to harm herself or her child.

Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2021 David Sedaris’ essays impel me to read aloud and laugh communally – at the beach, on a road trip, and sometimes at the dinner table.

Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2021 The purpose of this verbal sleight of hand is to humanize trees, and thereby impel the reader to extend greater care to them.

Robert Moor, The New Yorker, 10 June 2021 See More

单词	impelling
释义	impel verb im·pel im-ˈpel impelled; impelling transitive verb 1 : to urge or drive forward or on by or as if by the exertion of strong moral pressure : force felt impelled to correct the misconception 2 : to impart motion to : propel Did you know? Impel vs Compel Impel is very similar in meaning to compel, and often a perfect synonym, though it tends to suggest even more strongly an inner drive to do something and a greater urgency to act, especially for moral reasons. But when impel takes its noun and adjective forms, it changes slightly. So an impulse—such as "impulse buying", when you suddenly see something cool and know you've got to have it—often isn't based on anything very serious. And impulsive behavior in general, such as blurting out something stupid on the spur of the moment, is the kind of thing you're supposed to get over when you grow up. Synonyms actuate drive move propel work See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences His interest in the American Civil War impelled him to make repeated visits to Gettysburg. She felt impelled to give a speech after the performance. Recent Examples on the Web Also, the strategic threat of Moscow possibly controlling the entire Crimean coast of Ukraine again, across the Black Sea from Turkey, would impel a return to full dependence on the Nato alliance. Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 Trade deals should impel U.S. companies to innovate, not force them to compete against foreign firms unrestrained by labor, environmental and intellectual-property standards. Stephanie Murphy, WSJ, 1 Aug. 2022 This works as a rhetorical move: No one wants to be stuck, and dread of this fate can impel a person to action. Virginia Heffernan, Wired, 11 July 2022 For months, the countries have introduced tough new measure after tough new measure—at times, within hours of one another—to impel citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19, or face the consequences. Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2022 Of course, the high-profile role of public officials should impel them to be sticklers about following their own rules. Rich Lowry, National Review, 3 Aug. 2021 Symptoms include severe mood swings and deep despondency as well as impulses that can impel a mother to harm herself or her child. Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2021 David Sedaris’ essays impel me to read aloud and laugh communally – at the beach, on a road trip, and sometimes at the dinner table. Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2021 The purpose of this verbal sleight of hand is to humanize trees, and thereby impel the reader to extend greater care to them. Robert Moor, The New Yorker, 10 June 2021 See More Word History Etymology Middle English impellen, from Latin impellere, from in- + pellere to drive — more at felt First Known Use 15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Kids Definition impel verb im·pel im-ˈpel impelled; impelling : to urge or force into action I felt impelled to speak up. impelling 1 of 2 adjective as in compelling Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance compelling arresting conspicuous striking noticeable insistent unequivocal unambiguous categorical pointed forceful decided clear dynamic categoric absolute vehement aggressive vigorous marked plain energetic strenuous emphatic assertive violent muscular resounding full-blooded Antonyms & Near Antonyms unemphatic weak mild hesitant nonassertive ambiguous halting uncompelling nonemphatic guarded equivocal understated wishy-washy See More impelling 2 of 2 verb present participle of impel 1 as in driving to set or keep in motion gasoline impels a car's engine Synonyms & Similar Words driving moving propelling activating actuating motivating stimulating working triggering provoking inciting abetting fomenting raising galvanizing arousing exciting inspiring fermenting instigating inflaming rousing tripping setting off enflaming stirring (up) whipping (up) firing (up) Antonyms & Near Antonyms restraining controlling regulating constraining curbing inhibiting containing checking bridling reining (in) See More 2 as in forcing to cause (a person) to give in to pressure I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be Synonyms & Similar Words compelling forcing coercing obliging obligating constraining pressuring driving pressing impressing blackmailing intimidating dragooning muscling making threatening sandbagging bullying menacing cowing hectoring twisting one's arm browbeating terrorizing blackjacking bulldozing badgering dragging harassing shaming hounding high-pressuring Antonyms & Near Antonyms permitting allowing letting moving inducing satisfying talking (into) arguing prevailing (on or upon) convincing winning (over) persuading See More
随便看	swordman swordmen swordplay swordplayer swordplayers swordplays swords swordsman swordsmanship swordsmanships swordsmen swordswoman swordswomen swordtail swordtails swordweed swore swore in swore out sworl sworn sworn in sworn out sworn statement swoshed

impel

verb

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Kids Definition

verb

adjective

verb