impulsive

[ im-puhl-siv ]

/ ɪmˈpʌl sɪv /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR impulsive ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

actuated or swayed by emotional or involuntary impulses: an impulsive child.

having the power or effect of impelling; characterized by impulsion: impulsive forces.

inciting to action: the impulsive effects of a revolutionary idea.

Mechanics. (of forces) acting momentarily; not continuous.

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Nearby words

Origin of impulsive

1375–1425 for an earlier sense; 1545–55 for current senses; late Middle English impulsif < Medieval Latin impulsīvus. See impulse, -ive

SYNONYMS FOR impulsive

1. rash, quick, hasty. See impetuous.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR impulsive ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

im·pul·sive·ly, adverbim·pul·sive·ness, im·pul·siv·i·ty, nounnon·im·pul·sive, adjectivenon·im·pul·sive·ly, adverb

non·im·pul·sive·ness, nounun·im·pul·sive, adjectiveun·im·pul·sive·ly, adverb

Can be confusedcompulsive impulsive impetuous (see synonym study at impetuous)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for impulsive

So, did Opperud make the plan and then get the impulsive Lane to come with him at the last second?
How To Plan A Jailbreak|Seth Ferranti|September 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But Hezbollah has more pressing strategic imperatives today, and Nasrallah is not known as an impulsive leader.
Hezbollah Talks Big but Bows Out of the Gaza War|Jamie Dettmer|July 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Griffith is hardly alone amongst the lovelorn, impulsive, and unfortunately tattooed.
Melanie, Leave Antonio On Your Arm: The Emotional Politics of Tattoos|Lizzie Crocker|June 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As someone who spent time with him in his 2008 campaign put it, he would have been an impulsive, perilous president.
Obama’s All Eisenhower On Russia|Robert Shrum|March 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

I think that Michael would hate to be falsely remembered as perfect in retrospect—he was mercurial, impulsive, and intense.
Michael Hastings, R.I.P.|John Avlon|June 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
That she was beautiful, impulsive, barely two years older than Emil, these facts had had no weight with Alexandra.
O Pioneers!|Willa Cather
She was amused at his impulsive eagerness, and smiled, partly perhaps with an idea of putting him at his ease.
Captain Mansana and Mother's Hands|Bjrnstjerne Bjrnson
What does Lynette represent in her impulsive and persistent opposition to Gareth?
Teachers' Outlines for Studies in English|Gilbert Sykes Blakely
She was warm-hearted, impulsive, and quick to show gratitude.
The Living Link|James De Mille
For two months Tommy possessed his impulsive soul in patience.
The Lamp in the Desert|Ethel M. Dell

British Dictionary definitions for impulsive

impulsive

/ (ɪmˈpʌlsɪv) /

adjective

characterized by actions based on sudden desires, whims, or inclinations rather than careful thoughtan impulsive man

based on emotional impulses or whims; spontaneousan impulsive kiss

forceful, inciting, or impelling

(of physical forces) acting for a short time; not continuous

(of a sound) brief, loud, and having a wide frequency range

Derived Formsimpulsively, adverbimpulsiveness, noun

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

Word Origin and History for impulsive

impulsive

adj.

early 15c., originally in reference to medicine that reduces swelling or humors, from Middle French impulsif or directly from Medieval Latin impulsivus, from Latin impuls-, past participle stem of impellere (see impel). Of persons, "rash, characterized by impulses," from 1847.

Medicine definitions for impulsive

impulsive

[ ĭm-pŭl′sĭv ]

adj.

Inclined or tending to act on impulse rather than thought.

Motivated by or resulting from impulse.

Related formsim•pul′sive•ness null n.