To impel means to drive or push someone into action, often with a sense of urgency or strong inner motivation. When something impels you, it creates a powerful force that makes you feel you must do something.

A scientist might feel impelled to solve a medical mystery after seeing people suffer from a disease. A student might be impelled to speak up when witnessing unfair treatment, even though staying quiet would be easier. The word suggests an internal pressure or compelling force rather than someone simply telling you what to do.

Impel is similar to compel, but with a subtle difference: compel often involves external force or rules (a judge compels you to testify), while impel usually comes from within or from circumstances that stir something inside you. Curiosity might impel you to investigate a strange noise. Hunger impels animals to hunt for food. A sense of justice might impel someone to fight for what's right.

When you feel impelled, it's as if something is pushing you forward, making it almost impossible to stand still.