impetuous

[ im-pech-oo-uhs ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by sudden or rash action, emotion, etc.; impulsive:

   an impetuous decision; an impetuous person.

   Synonyms: headlong, eager

   Antonyms: careful, planned

2. having great impetus; moving with great force; violent:

   the impetuous winds.

impetuous

/ ɪmˈpɛtjʊəs; ɪmˌpɛtjʊˈɒsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. liable to act without consideration; rash; impulsive
2. resulting from or characterized by rashness or haste
3. poetic.
   moving with great force or violence; rushing

   the impetuous stream hurtled down the valley

Derived Forms

• imˈpetuously, adverb
• imˈpetuousness, noun

Other Words From

• im·petu·ous·ly adverb
• im·petu·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of impetuous¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin impetuōsus, equivalent to Latin impetu(s) “an attack” + -ōsus adjective suffix; impetus, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of impetuous¹

C14: from Late Latin impetuōsus violent; see impetus

Synonym Study

Impetuous, impulsive both refer to persons who are hasty and precipitate in action, or to actions not preceded by thought. Impetuous suggests eagerness, violence, rashness: impetuous vivacity; impetuous desire; impetuous words. Impulsive emphasizes spontaneity and lack of reflection: an impulsive act of generosity.

Example Sentences

The Spencers are a very hot headed, impetuous family with a lot of swashbuckling drama.

From Time

According to the Madman Theory in international relations, a leader who is seen as impetuous, even unhinged, can coerce an adversary into concessions.

From Nautilus

In Lowery’s film, Gawain is young, impetuous, prone to carousing, and ashamed of how little of his life has been spent on bold and brave exploits.

From Vox

You see where you were more impetuous, where you might have overreacted to certain things.

From The Daily Beast

The old Kaiser Franz Joseph, faithful and hardworking, was the obverse of the feckless and impetuous German kaiser.

From The Daily Beast

Zakir is a fearless and impetuous fighter, a former Guantanamo prisoner who earned a reputation for brutality on the battlefield.

From The Daily Beast

Referring to his numerous divorces, he writes, "I was young, impetuous, and lonely."

From The Daily Beast

It was a kind of incredible performance, half on earth and half in the air: it rushed with such impetuous momentum.

From Project Gutenberg

"You have been placed under arrest by order of the Ministry," replied Bézard, speaking in his quick, impetuous way.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, those Camford conversations—how impetuous, how interesting, how thoroughly hearty and unconventional they were!

From Project Gutenberg

A rush of impetuous words followed by the collapse of his father's form upon the pillow showed that the examination was over.

From Project Gutenberg

It was an exciting moment as that great bulk came on, its tons of sodden wood backed by the impetuous forces of the torrent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ardent
• impulsive