impel
/im'pel/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To cause something to move forward with force or momentum: This meaning describes applying a force that drives an object in a specific direction.
- To urge, force, or motivate a person to do something: This meaning describes a strong internal or external pressure that compels someone to take a specific action.
Examples of Usage
Verb (Causing motion):
- The strong winds impel the sailboat across the bay.
- The design uses water jets to impel the vehicle forward.
Verb (Urging or motivating action):
- A sense of duty impelled her to speak the truth.
- Financial difficulties impelled him to look for a second job.
Advanced Usage
"to impel someone to do something": This is the standard construction for the motivational sense.
- Curiosity impelled him to open the old chest.
"to impel something forward/onward": This construction emphasizes the directional movement.
- The engine's power impels the wheels onward.
Variants and Related Words
Impulsion (n): The act of impelling or the state of being impelled; a driving force.
- The impulsion behind his decision was a desire for change.
Impulsive (adj): Acting or done without forethought, driven by a sudden urge.
- She later regretted her impulsive purchase.
Synonyms
- Propels: Drives or pushes something forward.
- Drives: Provides the force or motivation for movement or action.
- Compels: Forces or obliges someone to do something.
- Motivates: Provides someone with a reason to act.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Impel" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. The force or motivation is typically direct.)
Related Idioms
- "To feel impelled to...": To feel a strong internal pressure or obligation to do something.
- I felt impelled to offer my help when I saw the accident.
Verb
- cause to move forward with force
- Steam propels this ship
- urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate