The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word IMPEL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
I
M
P
E
L
More clues leading to the result IMPEL
- Drive mischief-maker over English lake
- The writer’s heading for Pamplona, taking on the Spanish force
- One politician with extremely exceptional drive
- Troublemaker the Spanish urge forward
- Self-identification of PM lacking energy and drive
- One politician the Spanish push forward
- Spirit initially expresses life force
- Force politician into fabrication of lie
- Terror the French revolutionary is to drive forward
- Drive into Antrim pell-mell
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "drive forward" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case drive forward = impel.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does IMPEL mean?
IMPEL verb- To urge a person; to press on; to incite to action or motion via intrinsic motivation.
- To drive forward; to propel an object, to provide an impetus for motion or action.