impetus

[im-pi-tuhs]

noun

plural

impetuses 

1. a moving force; impulse; stimulus.

   The grant for building the opera house gave impetus to the city's cultural life.

   Synonyms: boost, spur, stimulation

2. (broadly) the momentum of a moving body, especially with reference to the cause of motion.

impetus

/ ˈɪmpɪtəs /

noun

1. an impelling movement or force; incentive or impulse; stimulus

2. physics the force that sets a body in motion or that tends to resist changes in a body's motion

Word History and Origins

Origin of impetus¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin: “an attack,” literally, “a rushing into,” perhaps by haplology from unattested impetitus (though the expected form would be unattested impetītus; appetite ), equivalent to impetī-, variant stem of impetere “to attack” ( im- im- ¹ + petere “to make for, assault”) + -tus suffix of verb action

Word History and Origins

Origin of impetus¹

C17: from Latin: attack, from impetere to assail, from _im- (in) + petere to make for, seek out

Example Sentences

Ambassador Fried says last week's 28-point US plan was a "hot mess" but that the impetus behind it is real.

Read more on BBC

It also adds fresh impetus for the Bank of England to cut interest rates at their next meeting in December.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Hopefully that is the impetus for everyone to get behind the policy and lose weight in time for November next year," he said.

Read more on BBC

But "a loss of impetus" in the second half allowed the 10 men of Rangers to roar back, force extra time, and add a few years to an already elderly statesman.

Read more on BBC

“I think it would certainly provide impetus in places like New York to move forward.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• catalyst 
• impulse 
• incentive 
• momentum 
• motivation 
• stimulant