I. verb
to press or impel to action, effort, or speed
his conscience urged him to tell the truth
Synonyms: egg (on), exhort, goad, prick, prod, prompt, propel, sic, spur
Related Word: hurry, hustle, push, rush, shove; blandish, cajole, coax, encourage, incite, needle, solicit, wheedle; constrain, drive, high-pressure, press, pressure; provoke, set (on), tar (on)
Idioms: bring pressure to bear on, twist one's arm
Contrasted words: brake, check, constrain, curb, hold back, inhibit, restrain
II. noun
Synonyms: desire 1, appetite, appetition, craving, itch, lust, passion
Related Word: goad, incentive, motive, spring, spur