impel Meaning & Definition
What Does Impel Mean?
Impel is a verb that means to urge or drive forward or on by or as if by the exertion of strong moral pressure. It can also mean to impart motion to.
Quick Facts About Impel
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /im-ˈpel/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | propel, force and actuate |
| Antonyms | bridle, check and constrain |
| Verb forms | impels, impelling, impelled |
Impel Definition (Verb)
- to urge or drive forward or on by or as if by the exertion of strong moral pressure : force
felt impelled to correct the misconception
- to impart motion to : propel
Synonyms of Impel
Antonyms of Impel
Impel in a Sentence
The wind impelled the kayaks toward the shore.
felt impelled to correct the misconception
gasoline impels a car's engine
I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be
Word Forms & Grammar
im·pelled
im·pel·ling
impel
impelled
impelling
impels
impel (third-person singular simple present impels, present participle impelling, simple past and past participle impelled)
Words That Rhyme With Impel
Origin of Impel
Origin 1: Middle English impellen, from Latin impellere, from in- + pellere to drive felt
Origin 2: From Middle English impellen, borrowed from Latin impellō.
First Known Use
15th century
How Do You Say Impel?
The standard pronunciation of impel is /im-ˈpel/, spoken in 2 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (pel).
Questions People Ask About Impel
What part of speech is impel?
Impel is a verb.
What is another word for impel?
You can replace impel with words such as propel, force and actuate. See the full list of impel synonyms and antonyms.
What is the past tense of impel?
The past tense of impel is impelled. The present participle is impelling.