IMPULSE Definition & Meaning

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impulse

[ im-puhls ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the influence of a particular feeling, mental state, etc.:
to act under a generous impulse; to strike out at someone from an angry impulse.
sudden, involuntary inclination prompting to action:
to be swayed by impulse.
an instance of this.
a psychic drive or instinctual urge.
an impelling action or force, driving onward or inducing motion.
the effect of an impelling force; motion induced; impetus given.
Physiology. a progressive wave of excitation over a nerve or muscle fiber, having either a stimulating or inhibitory effect.
Mechanics. the product of the average force acting upon a body and the time during which it acts, equivalent to the change in the momentum of the body produced by such a force.
Electricity. a single, usually sudden, flow of current in one direction.

adjective

marked by or acting on impulse:
an impulse buyer.
bought or acquired on impulse:
To reduce expenses, shun impulse items when shopping.

impulse

/ ˈɪ��ʌ�� /

noun

an impelling force or motion; thrust; impetus
a sudden desire, whim, or inclination
I bought it on an impulse
an instinctive drive; urge
tendency; current; trend
physics
1. the product of the average magnitude of a force acting on a body and the time for which it acts
2. the change in the momentum of a body as a result of a force acting upon it for a short period of time
physiol See nerve impulse
electronics a less common word for pulse 1
on impulse
spontaneously or impulsively

impulse

/ ĭ��′��ŭ��′ /

A sudden flow of electrical current in one direction.
An electrical signal traveling along the axon of a neuron. Nerve impulses excite or inhibit activity in other neurons or in the tissues of the body, such as muscles and glands.
The change of momentum of a body or physical system over a time interval in classical mechanics, equal to the force applied times the length of the time interval over which it is applied.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of impulse¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin impulsus “incitement, pressure,” noun use of past participle of impellere “to strike against, set in motion”; impel

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of impulse¹

C17: from Latin impulsus a pushing against, incitement, from impellere to strike against; see impel

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Thank goodness this was at a Starbucks, where several people watched, because I was shocked by his aggressive impulse.

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And then there's the crazy feud with Canada which seems to stem from the same impulse as the Greenland obsession.

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“I know that I'm an overspender, so I try to put intentional barriers in my way to prevent impulse purchases,” she said.

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Markets crave consistency, while Trump thrives on impulse — a recipe for a roller-coaster investment ride.

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“Greene’s attempts to defund PBS and NPR are the worst form of censorship," she continued, "reflecting both her own ignorance and the Republican party’s authoritarian impulses.”

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