urge

1 of 2

verb

ˈərj 

urged; urging

transitive verb

1

: to present, advocate, or demand earnestly or pressingly

an editorial urging readers to vote

… 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

A hand on my back urged me forward.

The dog urged the sheep toward the gate.

5

: stimulate, provoke

Urge not my father's anger …

—William Shakespeare

intransitive verb

: to declare, advance, or press earnestly a statement, argument, charge, or claim

urged for the adoption of the proposal

urger noun

see also:

urge on

urge

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act or process of urging

2

: a force or impulse that urges

especially : a continuing impulse toward an activity or goal : a strong need or desire to do or have something

Synonyms of urge

Verb

• encourage

Noun

• desire
• craving
• longing
• thirst
• hunger

Examples of urge in a Sentence

Verb

He is continually urging reform.

The rescuers urged that we remain calm.

an editorial urging readers to vote

I urge you to reconsider.

A hand on her back urged her forward.

Noun

the urge for something sweet

He fought the urge to cry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Environmental groups that have held Toyota up for years as a laggard on EVs offered a much less charitable take, saying the Japanese manufacturer is simply bowing now to their years of pressure to urge them to press the gas on electric cars as the world's largest carmaker. —Keith Laing, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

Residents and visitors are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Mar. 2026

Noun

Start with the evidence, set realistic timelines, and resist the urge to chase every new product that crosses your feed. —Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

But resist the urge to schedule every hour. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing urge

• urge incontinence
• urge on

Rhymes for urge

• dirge
• merge
• purge
• scourge
• serge
• splurge
• spurge
• sturge
• surge
• verge
• converge
• diverge

Kids Definition

urge

1 of 2 verb

ˈərj 

urged; urging

1

: to ask for or support earnestly

continually urging reform

2

: to try to persuade

urge a guest to stay longer

3

: to force or drive to some course or activity (as greater speed)

riders urging their horses on

urge

2 of 2 noun

1

: the act or process of urging

2

: a strong desire especially to achieve a goal

the urge to win