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单词 impels
释义

impel

verb

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

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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 How to pronounce impel (audio)
impelled; impelling
: to urge or force into action
I felt impelled to speak up.

impels

verb

present tense third-person singular of impel
1
as in drives
to set or keep in motion gasoline impels a car's engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
  • drives
  • propels
  • activates
  • moves
  • actuates
  • motivates
  • stimulates
  • provokes
  • works
  • triggers
  • incites
  • inspires
  • foments
  • rouses
  • raises
  • galvanizes
  • excites
  • abets
  • arouses
  • instigates
  • inflames
  • ferments
  • sets off
  • enflames
  • trips
  • whips (up)
  • stirs (up)
  • fires (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

  • restrains
  • constrains
  • inhibits
  • regulates
  • contains
  • controls
  • curbs
  • reins (in)
  • checks
  • bridles
See More
2
as in compels
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be

Synonyms & Similar Words

  • compels
  • forces
  • coerces
  • obligates
  • obliges
  • drives
  • constrains
  • pressures
  • impresses
  • intimidates
  • presses
  • muscles
  • makes
  • blackmails
  • dragoons
  • bullies
  • sandbags
  • threatens
  • blackjacks
  • twists one's arm
  • browbeats
  • shames
  • cows
  • drags
  • terrorizes
  • bulldozes
  • hectors
  • menaces
  • harasses
  • badgers
  • hounds
  • high-pressures

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

  • allows
  • permits
  • lets
  • induces
  • argues
  • moves
  • satisfies
  • persuades
  • convinces
  • prevails (on or upon)
  • wins (over)
  • talks (into)
See More
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更新时间:2025/1/3 15:43:04