impulse

im-pulse · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A sudden strong urge to act without thinking about the consequences.

  2. 2.

    A driving force or stimulus; something that incites action.

  3. 3.

    (Physics) A force acting briefly on a body and producing a finite change of momentum.

  4. 4.

    (Physiology) A signal transmitted along a nerve fiber.

Forms

plural: impulses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    on impulse — acting suddenly without planning or thinking
  • •
    impulse buy/purchase — something bought without prior intention
  • •
    control one's impulses — to restrain sudden urges

Related words

Antonyms: deliberation, premeditation
See also: impel, impulses, impulsive
Synonyms: inclination, urge, whim

Etymology

From Latin impulsus ("a push, shock, impulse"), past participle of impellere ("to push against, drive forward"), from in- ("into") + pellere ("to drive").