Main Entry: ¹urge

Pronunciation: \ˈərj\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): urged; urg·ing

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

Date: circa 1555

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