urges; urged; urging
1
: to ask people to do or support (something) in a way that shows that you believe it is very important
He is continually urging reform.
The rescuers urged that we remain calm.
The group is urging a ban on the chemical. = The group is urging that the chemical be banned.
2
: to try to persuade (someone) in a serious way to do something
an editorial urging readers to vote
I urge you to reconsider.
3
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to use force or pressure to move (someone or something) in a particular direction or at a particular speed
A hand on her back urged her forward.
plural urges
: a strong need or desire to have or do something
the urge for something sweet
He fought the urge to cry/laugh.
creative/sexual urges
Cite this Entry
“Urge.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/urge. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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