rhizoverbBeta
Dictionaryimpeldrive to act
verb

impel

im-PEL/ɪmˈpel/

Drive or urge someone to act.

Her concern for her neighbors impels her to help.

A person sees urgent litter after a storm and is moved to join neighbors cleaning a park, internal drive to act.
Etymology
imLatinon, upon
+pelLatinto push, drive

The pieces convey pushing or driving onward. That physical image also describes an influence or feeling that drives someone to act.

In context

Carnegie Explains19:21
I give you a goodie and that's going to impel you to vote for me on election day
Financing India's Elections

More examples

  • Curiosity impelled him to open the dusty journal.
  • Rising costs may impel the owners to sell.
  • What is impelling you to leave your job?

Forms

impel · impels · impelled · impelling

Similar words

compel
Suggests force or necessity that leaves little choice.
motivate
Emphasizes providing a reason or desire to act.
urge
Often emphasizes direct encouragement rather than an internal driving force.