urge

¹urge

verb \ˈərj\

urgedurg·ing

Definition of URGE

transitive verb

1

: to present, advocate, or demand earnestly or pressingly <his conviction was upheld on a theory never urged at his … trial — Leon Friedman>

2

: to undertake the accomplishment of with energy, swiftness, or enthusiasm <urge the attack>

3

a : solicit, entreat <urged him to keep trying> b : to serve as a motive or reason for <urged by a sense of duty>

4

: to force or impel in an indicated direction or into motion or greater speed <the dog urged the sheep toward the gate>

5

: stimulate, provoke <urge not my father's anger — Shakespeare>

intransitive verb

: to declare, advance, or press earnestly a statement, argument, charge, or claim <urged for the adoption of the proposal>

— urg·er noun

Examples of URGE

1. He is continually urging reform.
2. The rescuers urged that we remain calm.
3. an editorial urging readers to vote
4. I urge you to reconsider.
5. A hand on her back urged her forward.

Origin of URGE

Latin urgēre to press, push, entreat — more at wreak

First Known Use: circa 1555

Related to URGE

Synonyms: egg (on), encourage, exhort, goad, nudge, press, prod, prompt

Related Words: drive, propel, spur, stimulate; hurry, hustle, push, rush; adjure, beseech, implore, importune; blandish, cajole, coax, soft-soap, wheedle; high-pressure, nag, needle, pressure; foment, incite, instigate, provoke, stir (up)

Near Antonyms: deter, discourage, dissuade; brake, check, constrain, curb, hold back, inhibit, restrain

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