urged

"Urged" is the past tense of the verb "urge." It has a couple of closely related but distinct senses — all revolving around the idea of pushing someone (or yourself) toward something. It's a word you'll encounter very often in news articles, speeches, and everyday conversation.

1verbstrongly encouraging someone to do something

When you urge someone, you are not just asking — you are pushing them strongly, almost pleading, because you really want them to do it. Think of it as a step between 'asking' and 'demanding.'

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The doctor urged her patient to quit smoking immediately.

Friends urged him to apply for the job before the deadline.

The teacher urged the students to read the instructions carefully.

2verbpushing or driving something forward

In a more physical or old-fashioned sense, if you urge something forward — like a horse or a crowd — you are actively pushing or guiding it to move ahead. You will see this sense in literature and historical writing.

literature, historical writing · Formal, more common in older texts

The rider urged his horse forward through the storm.

She urged the reluctant crowd toward the exit.

He urged the boat along with a long wooden pole.

3verbstrongly recommending a course of action

When a leader, expert, or authority figure urges a particular action or policy, they are making a strong public recommendation. This is the sense you will see constantly in news headlines.

news, politics, public discourse · Modern, widely used

The president urged calm after the announcement.

Scientists urged governments to act faster on climate change.

The charity urged people to donate before the end of the year.