Meaning of the Word
“Urge” refers to a strong desire or impulse to take a particular action, or the act of encouraging or persuading someone to do something. It can also describe an internal feeling or motivation pushing someone toward a specific goal or behavior.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A strong desire or impulse to do something.
- To encourage or advise someone strongly to take action.
- An internal feeling or motivation pushing someone toward a particular decision or action.
History and Origin
The word “urge” comes from the Latin urgere, meaning “to press, drive forward,” which is related to the idea of applying pressure to prompt an action. The term entered the English language in the 14th century, initially used to describe a force or push to move or motivate someone. Over time, “urge” expanded to include the act of encouraging or persuading someone strongly to take a certain course of action.
Detailed Explanation
To “urge” someone is to strongly encourage them to do something, often by appealing to their emotions or reason. This can involve persuasion or the use of compelling arguments. The word can also describe a strong internal impulse or feeling driving someone to act, such as the urge to eat or the urge to help others. In some contexts, “urge” conveys a sense of urgency, suggesting that the action should be taken without delay.
Example Sentences
- She urged her friend to pursue her dreams and not give up.
- The doctor urged the patient to make lifestyle changes for better health.
- I felt a strong urge to travel after seeing the beautiful pictures of faraway places.
- The coach urged the team to stay focused and push through the final minutes of the game.
- He urged the government to take immediate action to address climate change.
- After hearing the news, I had an urge to call my family and make sure they were okay.
- She urged him not to make the decision too quickly without thinking it through.
- The teacher urged the students to participate in the discussion and share their ideas.
- I had an overwhelming urge to eat chocolate after a long day at work.
Synonyms with Short Explanations
- Encourage – To give support or confidence, often used in the context of urging someone to take action.
- Prompt – To cause or encourage someone to take action, usually in response to a need or situation.
- Exhort – To strongly urge or advise someone to take a particular course of action.
- Persuade – To convince someone to do something, often by appealing to their reasoning or emotions.
- Impel – To drive or urge someone to act, often due to strong internal feelings or external pressure.
Related Words with Short Explanations
- Instinct – A natural impulse or urge that drives someone to act in a particular way.
- Desire – A strong feeling of wanting to do something or possess something, closely related to an urge.
- Compulsion – A strong, irresistible urge to do something, often associated with psychological factors.
- Drive – An internal motivation or urge to accomplish something, often goal-oriented.
- Appeal – A request or plea, often urging someone to take action based on a compelling need or reason.
More Matches with Short Explanations
- Push – To encourage or prompt someone to take action, often with a sense of urgency.
- Call to action – A statement or appeal urging someone to act in a particular way.
- Impetus – A force or stimulus that drives or urges someone to take action.
- Need – A feeling or urge to fulfill a requirement or desire, often leading to action.
- Pressure – The influence or force that urges someone to act in a certain way, often due to external expectations.
Antonyms
- Discourage
- Dissuade
- Deterrent
- Resist
- Inhibit
