impulse

1 of 2

noun

im·​pulse ˈim-ˌpəls How to pronounce impulse (audio)
1
a
: a sudden spontaneous inclination or incitement to some usually unpremeditated action
b
: a propensity or natural tendency usually other than rational
2
a
: a wave of excitation transmitted through tissues and especially nerve fibers and muscles that results in physiological activity or inhibition see nerve impulse
b
: the act of driving onward with sudden force : impulsion
c
: motion produced by such an impulsion : impetus
3
b
: the product of the average value of a force and the time during which it acts : the change in momentum produced by the force
4
b
: a force so communicated as to produce motion suddenly
c

impulse

2 of 2

verb

im·​pulse ˈim-ˌpəls How to pronounce impulse (audio)
im-ˈpəls
impulsed; impulsing

transitive verb

: to give an impulse to
Choose the Right Synonym for impulse

motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action.

motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Examples of impulse in a Sentence

Noun He has to learn to control his impulses. the new auto factory was just the impulse that the local economy needed
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Even so, the impulse to nationalize the problem will have its own, infelicitous effects. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024 As well as offering good value for money, Costco also provides a ‘treasure hunt’ experience, which encourages impulse buying among customers. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impulse 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impulse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin impulsus, from impellere to impel

First Known Use

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Verb

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impulse was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near impulse

Cite this Entry

“Impulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impulse. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impulse

noun
im·​pulse
ˈim-ˌpəls
1
a
: a force that starts a body into motion
b
: the motion produced by an impulse
2
: a sudden stirring up of the mind and spirit to do something
an impulse to run away
buy something on impulse
3
4

Medical Definition

impulse

noun
im·​pulse ˈim-ˌpəls How to pronounce impulse (audio)
1
: a wave of excitation transmitted through tissues and especially nerve fibers and muscles that results in physiological activity or inhibition
2
a
: a sudden spontaneous inclination or incitement to some usually unpremeditated action
some uncontrollable impulse … may have driven the defendant to the commission of the murderous actB. N. Cardozo
b
: a propensity or natural tendency usually other than rational
the fundamental impulse of self-expressionHavelock Ellis

More from Merriam-Webster on impulse

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