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.

Choose the Right Synonym for impel

move, actuate, drive, impel mean to set or keep in motion.

move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.

moved the furniture

actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.

turbines actuated by waterpower

drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.

a ship driven aground by hurricane winds

impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.

a candidate impelled by ambition

Examples of impel in a Sentence

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 North’s three diamonds was forcing and impelled his side into game. Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 After all, the pianist upstairs impelled her to write a poem—and nearly a decade later, the poem impels me to write this. Erica Funkhouser, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impel 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of impel was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near impel

Cite this Entry

“Impel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impel. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impel

verb
im·​pel im-ˈpel How to pronounce impel (audio)
impelled; impelling
: to urge or drive forward or into action
impeller
-ˈpel-ər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on impel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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