Urge: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when expressing a strong desire or recommendation for someone to act quickly or with great enthusiasm.

• She urged him to start his studies early to avoid last-minute stress.
• The doctor urged the patient to quit smoking.

Suitable for motivating or giving someone confidence to do something, usually in a positive and supportive manner.

• The teacher encouraged her students to participate in the science fair.
• He encouraged his wife to pursue further education.

Often used when putting pressure on someone to do something, which may imply persistence or insistence.

• Her parents pressed her to get married soon.
• He pressed the company to disclose their financial records.

Useful for encouraging or provoking someone to take quick action, often in a gentle but immediate manner.

• The teacher's question prompted the student to think critically.
• His advisor's reminder prompted him to submit the application on time.

Used when providing guidance or recommendations based on knowledge or expertise, often in a professional or formal context.

• The lawyer advised him to remain silent until representation could be arranged.
• She advised her friend to invest in a diversified portfolio.

Typically used in formal or serious situations to urge someone to take action, often with a moral or ethical aspect.

• The leader exhorted his followers to uphold justice and integrity.
• The coach exhorted the team to give their best effort in the final game.

Used when talking about a strong, often sudden feeling of wanting to do something. It can sometimes imply a need to resist.

• She felt an urge to laugh during the serious meeting.
• He had the urge to check his phone during the test.

Commonly used when talking about a strong desire for something, especially food, or something that gives pleasure or satisfaction.

• I'm craving chocolate right now.
• She craved attention from her peers.

A formal way to express a strong wish for something or someone. It is broader and can be used in various contexts including ambitions, needs, or love.

• His desire to succeed was unmatched.
• She had a strong desire to travel the world.

Used when talking about a deep, often melancholic desire for something that seems out of reach or distant.

• She longed for the sea after living in the city for years.
• He longed for a simpler time.

Expresses an intense emotional desire, often associated with deep affection or suffering. It is more intense than 'long for'.

• She yearned for the comfort of her mother's arms.
• He yearned for freedom during his confinement.

Usually implies a persistent and often nostalgic desire. It is less intense and less urgent than 'crave'.

• He was hankering for the days of his youth.
• They hanker for the taste of homemade food.

Use when talking about a strong, often sudden feeling that you want to do something.

• I had the sudden urge to eat chocolate.
• She felt an urge to call her friend.

Use when referring to a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act.

• On an impulse, he decided to take the day off.
• She bought the dress on impulse.

Use when describing a strong desire for a specific thing, especially food or drink.

• She had a craving for ice cream.
• During pregnancy, many women experience unusual cravings.

Use when talking about a strong feeling of wanting something or wishing for something to happen.

• His desire to travel the world is strong.
• She has a burning desire to succeed.

Use when talking about someone's natural tendency to act or feel in a certain way.

• He has an inclination towards artistic activities.
• She felt an inclination to adopt the stray cat.

Use when referring to a powerful, often uncontrollable need to do something, typically when talking about habits or actions that are difficult to stop.

• He has a compulsion to check his phone every few minutes.
• Her compulsion to clean her house is overwhelming.