urge
v. · n.-
1 to strongly encourage (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto try hard to persuade someone to do something because you think it is important.
to earnestly or persistently persuade someone to take a specific action. Transitive; frequently followed by an object and a to-infinitive.
ExampleThe doctor urged him to quit smoking for the sake of his health.
ExampleThe environmental committee urged the government to implement stricter regulations on industrial waste before the local ecosystem suffered permanent damage.
UsageCommonly used in the pattern 'urge someone to do something'.
PitfallShe urged to him to stay.She urged him to stay.The verb 'urge' is transitive and takes a direct object before the infinitive; do not use 'to' between the verb and the person.
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2 to recommend strongly (v.) C1 Advanced Formalto suggest a plan or action very strongly.
to advocate for a particular course of action or policy with intensity. Often used with a 'that' clause in formal contexts.
ExampleThe report urged that all staff receive better safety training.
ExampleLegal experts have urged a complete overhaul of the current sentencing guidelines to ensure greater consistency across the judicial system.
UsageIn formal writing, this sense often triggers the subjunctive mood in the 'that' clause (e.g., 'urged that he be released').
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3 a strong desire (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea sudden, strong feeling that you want to do something.
a strong, often impulsive, yearning or desire to perform a particular act.
ExampleI had a sudden urge to buy a plane ticket and travel the world.
ExampleDespite the professional setting, he felt an almost uncontrollable urge to laugh at the absurdity of the CEO's presentation.
- disinclination
- aversion
From Latin urgeō (“urge”).