impulsive

[im-puhl-siv]

adjective

1. actuated or swayed by emotional or involuntary impulses.

   an impulsive child.

   Synonyms: hasty, quick, rash

2. having the power or effect of impelling; characterized by impulsion.

   impulsive forces.

3. inciting to action.

   the impulsive effects of a revolutionary idea.

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

impulsive

/ ɪmˈpʌlsɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by actions based on sudden desires, whims, or inclinations rather than careful thought

   an impulsive man

2. based on emotional impulses or whims; spontaneous

   an impulsive kiss

3. forceful, inciting, or impelling

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

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

Other Word Forms

• impulsiveness noun
• impulsively adverb
• impulsivity noun
• nonimpulsive adjective
• nonimpulsively adverb
• unimpulsive adjective
• unimpulsively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of impulsive¹

First recorded in 1375–1425 for an earlier sense; 1545–55 for current senses; late Middle English impulsif, from Medieval Latin impulsīvus; impulse, -ive

Synonym Study

See impetuous.

Example Sentences

"Tamzin was known to the police. She was extremely impulsive. You always had to take her safety into consideration," Ms Hall said.

From BBC

She adored the cat; still, she worried she’d been impulsive and wasn’t truly ready for the responsibility of pet ownership.

From Los Angeles Times

Inosuke — who was raised by wild animals — is impulsive and overconfident, always eager to jump into fights to prove he is the strongest fighter of them all.

From Los Angeles Times

Symptoms can include difficulties concentrating and sitting still, having high energy levels and being impulsive.

From BBC

But they can also diminish the appreciation of consequences, leading to impulsive behaviour - according to academics.

From BBC

Related Words

• abrupt 
• hasty 
• impetuous 
• instinctive 
• offhand 
• passionate 
• spontaneous 
• violent