impulsive

[ im-puhl-siv ]

/ ɪmˈpʌl sɪv /

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.

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.

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 impulsivity

It may be more difficult for someone who already had issues with impulsivity or depression to have those conditions aggravated.
Understanding Tracy Morgan’s Traumatic Brain Injury|Jean Kim|November 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for impulsivity

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 impulsivity

impulsivity

1891; see impulsive + -ity.

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 impulsivity

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.