IMPEL', verb transitive [Latin impello; in and pello, to drive.] To drive or urge forward; to press on; to excite to action or to move forward, by the application of physical force, or moral suasion or necessity. A ball is impelled by the force of powder; a ship is impelled by wind; a man may be impelled by hunger or a regard to his safety; motives of policy or of safety impel nations to confederate. The surge impelled me on a craggy coast. And several men impel to several ends.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI