urge

A strong feeling that makes you want to do something.

• I had an urge to laugh.
• She resisted the urge to buy another coat.
• Do you ever feel a sudden urge to travel?

How to use it: an urge to do something (I felt an urge to call my sister.)

Similar words: desire, impulse, longing

Common phrases: urge to do something, resist the urge, sudden urge, strong urge

To strongly ask or encourage someone to do something.

• I urge you to rest.
• Her friends urged her to apply for the job.
• The council is urging residents to save water.

How to use it: urge someone to do something (The doctor urged him to stop smoking.); urge that… (We urge that everyone leave the building immediately.)

Similar words: encourage, press, exhort

Opposites: discourage, dissuade

Common phrases: urge someone to go, urge someone to stay, strongly urge

To present a request, idea, or argument strongly because you believe it needs attention or action.

• The report urges caution.
• Several members urged the need for immediate reform.
• He urged his case before the committee.

How to use it: urge something on/upon someone (The lawyer urged the need for caution upon her client.)

Similar words: advocate, press, insist on

Common phrases: urge caution, urge restraint, urge reform

To make someone or something move forward or go faster.

• He urged his horse forward.
• The driver urged the tired horses on.
• She urged the boat onward with long strokes of the oars.

How to use it: urge someone/something on (The rider urged her horse on.)

Similar words: drive, spur, push

Opposites: restrain

Common phrases: urge someone on, urge something forward, urge onward