impeler

The Spanish verb "impeler" means "to propel", "to drive", or "to urge" someone or something forward. It refers to the action of pushing or motivating a force into motion or encouraging someone to take action.

Meaning and usage:

• Literal sense: To physically push, propel, or drive an object, like a boat impelled by a motor.
• Figurative sense: To encourage or urge someone to act, to stimulate motivation or cause a certain behavior.

Parts of the word:

• The root "pel" derives from Latin pellere, meaning to drive or to push.
• The prefix "im-" is a variation of in, implying inward or into, so together impeler evokes "to push into" or "to set in motion."

Synonyms:

• empujar (to push)
• motivar (to motivate)
• impulsar (to drive or encourage)
• estimular (to stimulate)
• exhortar (to exhort, to urge strongly—more figurative)

Antonyms:

• detener (to stop)
• frenar (to brake or slow down)
• desalentar (to discourage)
• reprimir (to repress)

Example sentences:

• El viento impulsa las velas del barco.
  (The wind propels the sails of the boat.)

• Su pasión lo impelió a seguir estudiando a pesar de las dificultades.
  (His passion drove him to keep studying despite the difficulties.)

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In summary, impeler focuses on the idea of providing force, motivation, or encouragement to start or continue a movement or action.