impel

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of IMPEL

to set or keep in motion <gasoline impels a car's engine>

Synonyms actuate, drive, impel, propel, work

Related Words activate, motivate, provoke; abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up); set off, trigger, trip; arouse, excite, fire (up), galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, instigate, rouse, stimulate

Near Antonyms bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure <I felt impelled to tell the truth, however painful it might be>

Synonyms blackjack, coerce, compel, constrain, dragoon, drive, impel, impress, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure, sandbag

Related Words browbeat, bulldoze, bully, cow, hector, intimidate; blackmail, high-pressure, menace, shame, terrorize, threaten; drag; badger, harass, hound

Near Antonyms allow, let, permit; argue, convince, induce, move, persuade, prevail (on or upon), satisfy, talk (into), win (over)

What made you want to look up impel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears