WordGarden.iourge
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɜːdʒ/
US
- /ˈɜrdʒ/
Meanings
Noun
a strong wish or impulse to do something
a strong bodily or sexual craving
Verb
to strongly encourage or press someone to do something
Beyond the definition
An urge is a strong feeling that makes you want to do something, often in a way that is hard to resist. It is more than a simple want. You might feel a sudden urge to eat chocolate when you're stressed, or an urge to help someone who is in trouble.
"Urge" can also be used as a verb. In that case, it means to strongly encourage someone to do something. A doctor might urge a patient to quit smoking, or a friend might urge you to apply for a job. It often suggests that the speaker thinks the action is important.
The word "urge" has a fascinating duality. It can describe an internal, compelling desire within someone, or an external pressure applied to someone else.
As a noun, an urge is a strong impulse or inclination—something you feel driven to do. These urges can be physical (like the urge to sneeze), emotional (the urge to cry), or even moral (an urge to do what's right). Saying "she had a sudden urge to travel the world" suggests a feeling that's difficult to ignore, often arising spontaneously and demanding attention.
As a verb, "urge" means to strongly advocate for a particular course of action. This isn't just a casual suggestion; it implies a sense of importance or necessity. For example, "The committee urged the government to invest in renewable energy." This use carries weight and conviction. From this verb, we also get the adjective "urgent," describing something that requires immediate action, such as an urgent medical condition.
Historically, "urge" comes from the Latin urgere, meaning "to press, drive, or impel." This perfectly captures the word's sense of powerful momentum. Whether it's a feeling bubbling up inside you or a plea directed toward another person, "urge" speaks to the forces that drive our actions—both those that come from within and those that push us from the outside.
Examples
- 1
Advice
She urged me to talk to the teacher after class.
- 2
Customer notice
The company is urging customers to change their passwords.
- 3
Public warning
Visitors are urged not to feed the animals.
- Patternbe urged to + verb
be strongly advised to do it
- 4
Safety advice
He urged caution when driving in the snow.
- Patternurge caution
strongly advise people to be careful
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Government request
Several charities have urged the government to provide more housing.
- 6
Personal desire
I felt a strong urge to call her.
- 7
Self-control
She had to fight the urge to interrupt him.
- Patternfight the urge to + verb
try not to do it even though you want to
- 8
Food craving
After the long hike, he had an urge for something salty.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- urgenounverb
Forms
- urgedpast tenseverbnoun
- urgespluralnounverb
- urging-ing formverbnoun