What does impel mean?
To impel is to drive someone toward a course of action through compulsion, strong encouragement, or an irresistible internal motivation. The verb is often followed by an infinitive: circumstances or qualities may impel a person to act, speak, or reconsider. It appears especially in formal and literary contexts, where it conveys force and determination more strongly than the ordinary verb “urge.” The related use of describing physical movement means that an impulse or force can impel an object or substance forward. Although impel can imply external pressure, it does not necessarily carry the sense of an unavoidable duty that belongs to words such as “oblige” or “compel.” Its vivid association with propulsion also gives it a metaphorical sense of being launched into action by something compelling. In modern usage, it often describes motivation, ambition, curiosity, evidence, or circumstances that produce a decisive response.
verbTo compel, force, or strongly urge someone to do something. It can also refer to driving or propelling something forward.
- To compel, force, or strongly urge someone to do something.
- To drive, propel, or cause something to move forward.
"Her ambition and determination impelled her to leave the country and pursue a career in medicine."
"The evidence impelled the investigators to reconsider their conclusions."
"Rising demand impelled the company to expand its production capacity."
From the Latin for “drive forward,” impel has long conveyed the idea of an irresistible force setting people in motion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does impel come from?
The word comes from Latin impellere, meaning “to drive forward” or “to force,” formed from in- and pellere, “to drive.” English borrowed the verb in the early 17th century. The same Latin root underlies related English words such as propel, repel, expel, compel, impulse, and impulsive.
Related word forms
How impel is actually used
This is a formal word commonly used with an infinitive introduced by “to,” as in “impel someone to act.” It can suggest either external pressure or a powerful internal motivation.
Easily confused with impel
An impulse may arise from a strong internal motivation or drive, whereas compulsion normally emphasizes an external requirement that forces someone to act.