Propel vs. Impel

Propel vs. Impel — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Propel and Impel

Propelverb

(transitive) To provide an impetus for motion or physical action, to cause to move in a certain direction; to drive forward.

Impelverb

(transitive) To urge a person; to press on; to incite to action or motion via intrinsic motivation (contrast with propel, to compel or drive extrinsically).

Propelverb

(transitive) To provide an impetus for non-physical change, to make to arrive to a certain situation or result.

Impelverb

(transitive) To drive forward; to propel an object.

Propelverb

cause to move forward with force;

Steam propels this ship

Impelverb

urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate

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Propelverb

give an incentive for action;

This moved me to sacrifice my career

Impelverb

cause to move forward with force;

Steam propels this ship