26984 words

urge

4 definitions • 10 examples
1
a strong wish, especially one that is difficult or impossible to control:

Examples:

The two of them seem unable to control their sexual urges.
[ + to infinitive ] The urge to steal is very strong in some of these young men.
2
to strongly advise or try to persuade someone to do a particular thing:

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] Lawyers will urge the parents to take further legal action.
[ + that ] Investigators urged that safety procedures at the site should be improved.
The dogs are urged into fighting more fiercely by loud shouts from the crowd.
We will continue to urge for leniency to be shown to these prisoners.
3
to encourage someone strongly to do something or to ask that something be done:

Examples:

Party leaders urged her to run for Congress.
4
a strong desire or need:

Examples:

a human/natural urge
Sometimes I get an urge to go swimming at lunchtime.

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