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

• impulsively adverb
• impulsivity noun
• impulsiveness 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

The plot basically sticks to the first seven chapters of the 100-chapter novel, which concerns an engagingly impulsive monkey who obtains superpowers and, to protect his monkey community, enjoys one wily adventure after another.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He had been impulsive, couldn’t sit still and hated school—his stomach hurt every morning when he went.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But any changes to it must be grounded in thoughtful institutional reform—not impulsive social media posts.

Read more on Barron's

Known by residents as blunt and impulsive, Manzo had a hands-on approach to law enforcement.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Team-mates describe him as "not a bad person, just impulsive", someone who takes things personally but quickly calms down.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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