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Impel: meaning, definitions and examples

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impel

 

[ ɪmˈpɛl ]

Verb
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

Translations of the word "impel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impelir

🇮🇳 प्रेरित करना

🇩🇪 anstoßen

🇮🇩 mendorong

🇺🇦 штовхати

🇵🇱 popychać

🇯🇵 駆り立てる

🇫🇷 pousser

🇪🇸 impulsar

🇹🇷 zorlamak

🇰🇷 재촉하다

🇸🇦 يدفع

🇨🇿 pohánět

🇸🇰 podnecovať

🇨🇳 推动

🇸🇮 poganjati

🇮🇸 hvetja

🇰🇿 итеру

🇬🇪 წახალისება

🇦🇿 təşviq etmək

🇲🇽 impulsar

Etymology

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.