Impel — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /im-ˈpel/ im·pel

Meaning & Definition of Impel

Impel (verb)

  1. to urge or drive forward or on by or as if by the exertion of strong moral pressure, force
  2. to impart motion to, propel

Impel (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to set or keep in motion

    "gasoline impels a car's engine"

    similar: actuate, drive, move, propel, work
    related: activate, motivate, provoke, abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up), set off, trigger, trip, arouse, excite, fire (up), galvanize, inflame, inspire, instigate, rouse, stimulate
    near: bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain

  2. to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

    "I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be"

    similar: blackjack, coerce, compel, constrain, dragoon, drive, force, impress, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure, sandbag, twist one's arm
    related: browbeat, bulldoze, bully, cow, hector, intimidate, blackmail, high-pressure, menace, shame, terrorize, threaten, drag, badger, harass, hound
    near: allow, let, permit, argue, convince, induce, move, persuade, prevail (on or upon), satisfy, talk (into), win (over)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Impel

The most common words with a similar meaning to Impel:

actuate, drive, move, propel, work, blackjack, coerce, compel, constrain, dragoon, force, impress, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure, sandbag, twist one's arm

Related Words for Impel

activate, motivate, provoke, abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up), set off, trigger, trip, arouse, excite, fire (up), galvanize, inflame, inspire, instigate, rouse, stimulate, browbeat, bulldoze, bully, cow, hector, intimidate, blackmail, high-pressure

Near Antonyms of Impel

bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, allow, let, permit, argue, convince, induce, move, persuade, prevail (on or upon), satisfy, talk (into), win (over)

Word Forms of Impel

Inflections: impelled, impelling

Origin & Etymology of Impel

Middle English impellen, from Latin impellere, from in- + pellere to drive felt

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Impel

What does "Impel" mean?

"Impel" means to urge or drive forward or on by or as if by the exertion of strong moral pressure, force. As a verb, it is defined as: to urge or drive forward or on by or as if by the exertion of strong moral pressure, force. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Impel"?

Other words for "Impel" include actuate, drive, move, propel, work, blackjack, coerce and compel. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Impel" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Impel"?

There are 58 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Impel". Common alternatives include actuate, drive, move, propel, work, blackjack, coerce, compel, constrain and dragoon.

How do you use "Impel" in a sentence?

Examples of "Impel" in a sentence: "gasoline impels a car's engine"; "I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be".

Is "Impel" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Impel" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Impel"?

"Impel" is pronounced /im-ˈpel/ and divided into syllables as im·pel.

What is the origin of the word "Impel"?

"Impel" comes from Middle English impellen, from Latin impellere, from in- + pellere to drive felt. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Impel" meaning "to set or keep in motion"?

When "Impel" (verb) means to set or keep in motion, synonyms include actuate, drive, move, propel and work.