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View synonyms for impulse

impulse

[ im-puhls ]

noun

  1. the influence of a particular feeling, mental state, etc.:

    to act under a generous impulse; to strike out at someone from an angry impulse.

  2. sudden, involuntary inclination prompting to action:

    to be swayed by impulse.

  3. an instance of this.
  4. a psychic drive or instinctual urge.
  5. an impelling action or force, driving onward or inducing motion.
  6. the effect of an impelling force; motion induced; impetus given.
  7. Physiology. a progressive wave of excitation over a nerve or muscle fiber, having either a stimulating or inhibitory effect.
  8. Mechanics. the product of the average force acting upon a body and the time during which it acts, equivalent to the change in the momentum of the body produced by such a force.
  9. Electricity. a single, usually sudden, flow of current in one direction.


adjective

  1. marked by or acting on impulse:

    an impulse buyer.

  2. bought or acquired on impulse:

    To reduce expenses, shun impulse items when shopping.

impulse

/ ˈɪmpʌls /

noun

  1. an impelling force or motion; thrust; impetus
  2. a sudden desire, whim, or inclination

    I bought it on an impulse

  3. an instinctive drive; urge
  4. tendency; current; trend
  5. physics
    1. the product of the average magnitude of a force acting on a body and the time for which it acts
    2. the change in the momentum of a body as a result of a force acting upon it for a short period of time
  6. physiol See nerve impulse
  7. electronics a less common word for pulse 1
  8. on impulse
    spontaneously or impulsively
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

impulse

/ ĭmpŭls′ /

  1. A sudden flow of electrical current in one direction.
  2. An electrical signal traveling along the axon of a neuron. Nerve impulses excite or inhibit activity in other neurons or in the tissues of the body, such as muscles and glands.
  3. The change of momentum of a body or physical system over a time interval in classical mechanics, equal to the force applied times the length of the time interval over which it is applied.
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Word History and Origins

Origin of impulse1

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin impulsus “incitement, pressure,” noun use of past participle of impellere “to strike against, set in motion”; impel
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Word History and Origins

Origin of impulse1

C17: from Latin impulsus a pushing against, incitement, from impellere to strike against; see impel
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Example Sentences

For Adams, it was not difficult to tap into her character’s more primal impulses: she is one of seven children, raised in a military family that moved frequently throughout her childhood.

"The fact that he took his life at the home of his beloved parents suggests the decision was the result of a sudden impulse."

From BBC

On principle, my impulse is to say that is a dangerous question to ask and can put people in compromised positions.

From Salon

She recommends making a list and budget to stick to in order to avoid impulse buys.

From BBC

He tells me he doesn’t identify with that impulse.

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