Impel is very similar in meaning to compel, and often a perfect synonym, though it tends to suggest even more strongly an inner drive to do something and a greater urgency to act, especially for moral reasons. But when impel takes its noun and adjective forms, it changes slightly. So an impulse—such as "impulse buying", when you suddenly see something cool and know you've got to have it—often isn't based on anything very serious. And impulsive behavior in general, such as blurting out something stupid on the spur of the moment, is the kind of thing you're supposed to get over when you grow up.
move is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position.
moved the furniture
actuate stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion.
turbines actuated by waterpower
drive implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus.
a ship driven aground by hurricane winds
impel is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus.
a candidate impelled by ambition
Example Sentences
His interest in the American Civil War impelled him to make repeated visits to Gettysburg. She felt impelled to give a speech after the performance.
Recent Examples on the WebAlso, the strategic threat of Moscow possibly controlling the entire Crimean coast of Ukraine again, across the Black Sea from Turkey, would impel a return to full dependence on the Nato alliance. Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 Trade deals should impel U.S. companies to innovate, not force them to compete against foreign firms unrestrained by labor, environmental and intellectual-property standards. Stephanie Murphy, WSJ, 1 Aug. 2022 This works as a rhetorical move: No one wants to be stuck, and dread of this fate can impel a person to action. Virginia Heffernan, Wired, 11 July 2022 For months, the countries have introduced tough new measure after tough new measure—at times, within hours of one another—to impel citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19, or face the consequences. Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2022 Of course, the high-profile role of public officials should impel them to be sticklers about following their own rules. Rich Lowry, National Review, 3 Aug. 2021 Symptoms include severe mood swings and deep despondency as well as impulses that can impel a mother to harm herself or her child.Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2021 David Sedaris’ essays impel me to read aloud and laugh communally – at the beach, on a road trip, and sometimes at the dinner table. Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2021 The purpose of this verbal sleight of hand is to humanize trees, and thereby impel the reader to extend greater care to them. Robert Moor, The New Yorker, 10 June 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English impellen, from Latin impellere, from in- + pellere to drive — more at felt