impulsive

[ im-puhl-siv ]

adjective

1. actuated or swayed by emotional or involuntary impulses:

   an impulsive child.

   Synonyms: hasty, quick, rash

2. having the power or effect of impelling; characterized by impulsion:

   impulsive forces.

3. inciting to action:

   the impulsive effects of a revolutionary idea.

4. Mechanics. (of forces) acting momentarily; not continuous.

impulsive

/ ɪmˈpʌlsɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by actions based on sudden desires, whims, or inclinations rather than careful thought

   an impulsive man

2. based on emotional impulses or whims; spontaneous

   an impulsive kiss

3. forceful, inciting, or impelling
4. (of physical forces) acting for a short time; not continuous
5. (of a sound) brief, loud, and having a wide frequency range

Derived Forms

• imˈpulsiveness, noun
• imˈpulsively, adverb

Other Words From

• im·pul·sive·ly adverb
• im·pul·siv·i·ty [im-puhl-, siv, -i-tee], im·pul·sive·ness noun
• non·im·pul·sive adjective
• non·im·pul·sive·ly adverb
• un·im·pul·sive adjective
• un·im·pul·sive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of impulsive¹

First recorded in 1375–1425 for an earlier sense; 1545–55 for current senses; late Middle English impulsif, from Medieval Latin impulsīvus; impulse, -ive

Synonym Study

See impetuous.

Example Sentences

Sometimes my best work will be rather spontaneous or impulsive.

From Time

What makes his decision seem impulsive and even dangerous is that Unity is still far short of becoming the kind of thoroughly tested and reliable vehicle that would be able to fly passengers on a regular schedule.

From The Daily Beast

In my highs, I was drinking compulsively and taking impulsive risks in the mountains as a coping strategy.

From Outside Online

Her team uses computer games like this to measure how cautious or impulsive people are.

From Science News For Students

It tries to exert self-control by tamping down the limbic system’s impulsive urges.

From Science News For Students

So, did Opperud make the plan and then get the impulsive Lane to come with him at the last second?

From The Daily Beast

But Hezbollah has more pressing strategic imperatives today, and Nasrallah is not known as an impulsive leader.

From The Daily Beast

Griffith is hardly alone amongst the lovelorn, impulsive, and unfortunately tattooed.

From The Daily Beast

As someone who spent time with him in his 2008 campaign put it, he would have been an impulsive, perilous president.

From The Daily Beast

And while depression often keeps its victims from thinking clearly, the Internet encourages impulsive behavior.

From The Daily Beast

In his childlike, impulsive fashion he had not thought of the future when he adopted Jean.

From Project Gutenberg

Eloquent in speech, warm-hearted and impulsive, he found it difficult to resist a joke, even at the expense of his friend.

From Project Gutenberg

I made an impulsive forward movement, but Dr. Silence instantly dragged me back.

From Project Gutenberg

This habit is an outcome of our frank, impulsive character; but the Scotch would be slow in appreciating it.

From Project Gutenberg

In their habits they resembled children, being sensitive and impulsive, fond of play, and very quick in their motions.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abrupt
• hasty
• impetuous
• instinctive
• offhand
• passionate
• spontaneous
• violent