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

impulse

/ ĭm′pŭls′ /

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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of impulse¹

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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

"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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• desire
• feeling
• inclination
• influence
• instinct
• motivation
• motive
• notion
• passion
• thought
• whim
• wish