impel

[ im-pel ]

verb (used with object)

, im·pelled, im·pel·ling.

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

Derived Forms

• imˈpellent, nounadjective

Other Words From

• unim·pelled adjective

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

The move sparked a revolt, impelling tens of millions of users to flee to rivals such as Signal and Telegram.

From ProPublica

Where the subject of “Dreamtank” seems impelled by larger forces, the clenched-fist figure in “Sentinel” declares his autonomy.

From Washington Post

Public pressure impelled Match Group’s initiatives, according to Carrie Goldberg, a victims’ rights attorney who represented Garbo founder Kathryn Kosmides in a gender-based violence case that inspired the nonprofit’s creation.

From ProPublica

What, then, was the truth that the truth serum was seeking to impel?

From The Daily Beast

These all-too-possible nightmare scenarios should impel the United States to focus on the current state of Pakistan.

From The Daily Beast

He saw enough in her face to impel him to take her hand and hold it while he said his lingering good night.

From Project Gutenberg

The characters which crowd forth from his brain are sustained and impelled by the same social waves which sustain and impel us.

From Project Gutenberg

You alone, Madam, had the power to conquer my indolence, and to impel me to change my resolution.

From Project Gutenberg

Resist that inclination which seems to impel you to gloomy meditation, solitude, and melancholy.

From Project Gutenberg

Various motives impel the living to treat with respect the body from which life has departed.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• compel
• induce
• oblige