urge

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

Synonyms of urge

• encourage

Examples of urge in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

In an attempt at shoring up the currency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month urged citizens to pause gold purchases, conserve fuel, and avoid overseas travel. —Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 5 June 2026

In a June 3 letter provided to USA TODAY, Steyer's campaign reiterated the importance of counting each vote while urging supporters to make sure their ballot was accepted. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 5 June 2026

Hanlin, whose son is currently being held at the jail, said advocates have urged county leaders to move more quickly despite some improvements inside the facility. —Ben Wheeler june 4, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

More recent air quality news Major automakers are urging the EPA to delay tougher vehicle pollution standards for two years. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1555, in the meaning defined at transitive 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