urge

UK: ɜːdʒ | US: ɜːrdʒ

Definition

  1. n. a strong desire or impulse

  2. vt. to strongly encourage or persuade someone to do something

  3. vi. to argue or advocate earnestly

Structure
urg <to drive, press>
Etymology

The word "urge" originates from the Latin urgēre, meaning "to press, drive, or push." This root reflects the sense of forceful motivation or insistence. The silent "e" in Modern English preserves the spelling but does not carry phonetic weight. Over time, "urge" evolved from physical pressure (e.g., driving cattle) to abstract encouragement or strong desire.

Examples

  1. She felt an urge to travel the world.

  2. The teacher urged the students to study harder.

  3. He urged caution before making a decision.

  4. Environmentalists urge governments to act on climate change.

  5. A sudden urge for chocolate made her stop at the store.