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

Other Word Forms

• impulsiveness noun
• impulsively adverb
• impulsivity noun
• nonimpulsive adjective
• nonimpulsively adverb
• unimpulsive adjective
• unimpulsively 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

Relentless discipline, the kind that makes Trappist monks look impulsive.

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A 2022 study from China found “smaller brain volume in excessive smartphone users,” which was associated with impulsive behavior.

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"Tamzin was known to the police. She was extremely impulsive. You always had to take her safety into consideration," Ms Hall said.

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She adored the cat; still, she worried she’d been impulsive and wasn’t truly ready for the responsibility of pet ownership.

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Inosuke — who was raised by wild animals — is impulsive and overconfident, always eager to jump into fights to prove he is the strongest fighter of them all.

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Related Words

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