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Impel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impel

[ɪmˈpɛl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

urge forward

To impel means to drive or push something or someone forward or onward. It often implies a strong motivational force that compels action. The word can refer to both physical motion and intangible influences that stimulate behavior or decisions. In literature and psychology, it can denote internal or external forces that guide an individual's choices.

Synonyms

compel, drive, force, urge.

Examples of usage

  • Her passion for art impelled her to pursue a career as a painter.
  • The urge to express himself impelled the writer to finish his novel.
  • Circumstances often impel people to make difficult decisions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Motivational theories often discuss inner drives that impel individuals to act, connecting to needs and desires.
  • Feeling impelled to act can stem from both external pressures and internal goals, affecting decision-making processes.
  • This word relates closely to concepts of motivation, where individuals are driven by emotions or circumstances to achieve specific outcomes.

Literature

  • Many classic and modern literary works feature characters who are impelled by personal crises to embark on transformative journeys.
  • Famous authors often illustrate how societal expectations can impel protagonists into action, reflecting the tension between individual desire and communal obligation.
  • In Shakespearean plays, characters often face internal dilemmas that impel them towards tragic or heroic actions.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers discuss the concept of free will and determinism, exploring how impulse can both guide and challenge one's independence in decision-making.
  • The idea of being impelled towards ethical actions is often examined in moral philosophy, delving into how conscience can drive behavior.
  • Existentialists often view being impelled as a fundamental aspect of human experience, questioning what drives individuals towards authenticity.

Pop Culture

  • In popular films, characters who are impelled by love or loss often drive the emotional core of the story.
  • Musicians frequently express feelings of being impelled to create or share their art through lyrics, highlighting the power of internal inspiration.
  • The phrase 'impel to action' is often used in motivational speeches and self-help literature to encourage listeners to pursue their dreams.

Origin of 'impel'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'impellere', meaning to push or drive forward.
  • The prefix 'im-' means 'into', while 'pellere' means 'to drive' or 'to push'.
  • First recorded use in English dates back to the 15th century, showing long-standing usage in literature and communication.

The word 'impel' originates from the Latin word 'impellere,' which means 'to drive or push.' It is composed of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'pellere,' meaning 'to drive.' The use of 'impel' in the English language dates back to the late 14th century, where it was employed to describe the act of driving something forward or astir. Over the years, 'impel' has maintained its core meaning of propulsion, both literally and figuratively, and has found its place in various contexts, from literature to psychology, emphasizing the forces that drive behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,415, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.