IMPELLING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does impelling mean? 

• IMPELLING (adjective)
  The adjective IMPELLING has 1 sense:

1. markedly effective as if by emotional pressure

  Familiarity information: IMPELLING used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• IMPELLING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Markedly effective as if by emotional pressure

Context example:

an impelling personality

Similar:

effective; effectual; efficacious (producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect)

 Context examples 

Right here, I think, entered the austere conscience of my Puritan ancestry, impelling me toward lurid deeds and sanctioning even murder as right conduct.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Her training warned her of peril and of wrong, subtle, mysterious, luring; while her instincts rang clarion-voiced through her being, impelling her to hurdle caste and place and gain to this traveller from another world, to this uncouth young fellow with lacerated hands and a line of raw red caused by the unaccustomed linen at his throat, who, all too evidently, was soiled and tainted by ungracious existence.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

“I remember only one part of the service,” I said, “and that is, ‘And the body shall be cast into the sea.’” Maud looked at me, surprised and shocked; but the spirit of something I had seen before was strong upon me, impelling me to give service to Wolf Larsen as Wolf Larsen had once given service to another man.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)