What does urge mean?
An urge is a strong, often sudden impulse to act, think, or feel a particular way. As a noun, it describes the internal desire that makes someone want to do something, such as an urge to laugh, travel, confess, or leave. It can be neutral and harmless, but it can also suggest an impulse that is difficult to control. As a verb, urge means to strongly encourage or press someone to take an action: a friend may urge someone to accept a job, while a doctor may urge patients to rest. The word is flexible in register and can describe both personal impulses and formal recommendations. Its usefulness lies in capturing the force of a felt desire or a serious prompting. Although related words such as urgent and urgency often emphasize the need for prompt attention, urge focuses more directly on the impulse itself or the act of encouraging someone.
A sudden, strong impulse or desire to do something.
"He resisted the urge to answer the question before the speaker had finished."
Often used for a feeling that arises spontaneously and may be difficult to resist.
To strongly encourage or press someone to do something, or to impel them toward action.
"The committee urged the council to approve the proposal."
Common in formal and professional contexts, although it is also widely used in everyday speech.
The plural is used for separate impulses or desires.
"Despite several urges to speak, she remained silent."
From the Latin idea of pushing or driving, an urge has become the powerful impulse that pushes a person toward action.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does urge come from?
The English word derives from the Latin urgere, meaning 'to push, drive, or press.' It entered English in the late 16th century, developing both a noun meaning 'a strong impulse' and a verb meaning 'to press or strongly encourage.' Related English words such as urgent and urgency come from the same Latin root, reflecting its associations with pressing matters and the need for prompt action.
Related word forms
How urge is actually used
The noun is neutral and commonly describes an impulse that may be rational or difficult to resist. The verb is also neutral but can sound formal when used in public or professional contexts, especially in phrases such as 'urge caution' or 'urge immediate action'.