instigate
Meaning: to urge, goad
Usage: The demagogue instigated the crowd into a fury by telling them that they had been cheated by the federal government.
exhort
Meaning: to urge, prod, spur
Usage: Henry exhorted his colleagues to join him in protesting against the university’s hiring policies.
goad
Meaning: to urge, spur, incite to action
Usage: Jim may think he’s not going to fight Billy, but Billy will goad Jim on with insults until he throws a punch.
cajole
Meaning: to urge, coax
Usage: Fred’s buddies cajoled him into attending the bachelor party.
compel
Meaning: to force, drive, or strongly persuade
Usage: Eliot’s speech was strong enough to compel Lenore to accept his proposal on the spot.