Words / C1

im-PEL/ɪmˈpel/

To impel is to force or urge someone strongly to do something: impelled by duty, the finding impels a recall. Compel is the close twin; a vibe of urgency is not a signed recall notice.

Meaning

To force or strongly urge someone to do something (formal).

Examples

• “A missing certificate should impel a delay, not a styling workaround.”
• “Duty may impel a recall; a vibe of urgency is not a signed notice.”
• “Compel is the close twin. Urge is milder. Urgency is a feeling. A signed notice with a time is a file. Issue the notice; then describe the duty in the covering note.”

Good to know

Force or strongly urge. Close: compel. A vibe ≠ a signed recall.

Near in meaning

compel, drive

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