Definition of impel

< impedimenta

impeller >

im·pel    (m-pl) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
im·pelled, im·pel·ling, im·pels

1. To urge to action through moral pressure; drive: I was impelled by events to take a stand.
2. To drive forward; propel.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English impellen, from Latin impellere : in-, against ; see in-² + pellere, to drive; see pel-⁵ in Indo-European roots