The word "urge" can be used as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it means to strongly encourage or persuade someone to do something. As a noun, it refers to a strong desire or impulse.
Synonyms as a verb:
- Press
- "Press" as a verb also implies a kind of insistent encouragement. For example, "The coach pressed the team to work harder." It has a similar sense of applying pressure to get someone to act, just like "urge." The difference is that "press" might imply a more continuous or forceful prodding.
- Exhort
- "Exhort" means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something in a more passionate or zealous way. For example, "The preacher exhorted the congregation to lead a more pious life." It often has a moral or motivational undertone, similar to the more intense forms of urging.
- Prod
- "Prod" gives the image of a gentle but persistent push to get someone to do something. For example, "She prodded her friend to apply for the job." It's a bit more casual than "exhort" but still conveys the idea of encouraging or nudging someone into action.
- Impel
- "Impel" means to drive or force someone to do something, usually by a strong moral or psychological force. For example, "His sense of duty impelled him to volunteer." It's a stronger form of urging, often with an internal motivation as the driving factor.
Synonyms as a noun:
- Desire
- As a noun, "urge" and "desire" are quite similar. "Desire" refers to a strong feeling of wanting something. For example, "He had a strong desire to succeed." It's a more general term for a longing or yearning, which is related to the urge one might feel to achieve or obtain something.
- Impulse
- "Impulse" is an sudden inclination or urge to act. For example, "On a sudden impulse, she bought a new dress." It emphasizes the spontaneity of the urge, much like a sudden instinct that drives one to do something.
- Inclination
- "Inclination" is a tendency or preference towards doing something. For example, "He had an inclination to help others." It's a milder form of the urge, often showing a natural bent or predisposition rather than a strong, urgent impulse.