impel

Tweet

verb

Definition of IMPEL

1

to set or keep in motion <gasoline impels a car's engine>

Synonyms actuate, drive, impel, propel, work

Related Words activate, motivate, provoke; abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up); set off, trigger, trip; arouse, excite, fire (up), galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, instigate, rouse, stimulate

Near Antonyms bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain

2

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure <I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be>

Synonyms blackjack, coerce, compel, constrain, dragoon, drive, impel, impress, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure, sandbag

Related Words browbeat, bulldoze, bully, cow, hector, intimidate; blackmail, high-pressure, menace, shame, terrorize, threaten; drag; badger, harass, hound

Near Antonyms allow, let, permit; argue, convince, induce, move, persuade, prevail (on or upon), satisfy, talk (into), win (over)