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impulse

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

Definition of impulse

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

: to give an impulse to

impulse

noun
im·​pulse | \ ˈim-ˌpəls How to pronounce impulse (audio) \

Definition of impulse (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : inspiration, motivation
b : a force so communicated as to produce motion suddenly
c : incentive
2a : the act of driving onward with sudden force : impulsion
b : motion produced by such an impulsion : impetus
c : a wave of excitation transmitted through tissues and especially nerve fibers and muscles that results in physiological activity or inhibition — see nerve impulse
3a : a sudden spontaneous inclination or incitement to some usually unpremeditated action
b : a propensity or natural tendency usually other than rational
4a : the product of the average value of a force and the time during which it acts : the change in momentum produced by the force
b : pulse sense 4a
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about impulse

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Choose the Right Synonym for impulse

Noun

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: Verb

 Women displayed way more brain activity in the prefrontal cortex, the region that deals with decision making, focus and impulse control. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "Science Says Women Have a More Active Brain, Compared to Men," 8 Aug. 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Do your homework Van Wagenen’s brief trade history — notably acquiring an aging former client, Robinson Cano, and a disappointing closer, Edwin Diaz — suggests an impulse shopper ignoring the warning label. — New York Times, "What Brodie Van Wagenen Can Learn From the Architect of the ’69 Mets," 22 July 2019 Among younger Americans, Schwartz said, research shows more time on social media can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and impulses — but those studies look at average users, not influencers. — Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, "Etika was a larger-than-life YouTube star. Researchers are unsure how that affected his mental health.," 26 June 2019 The financial literacy program, held once a year, works as a two-day boot camp, going over budgeting, debt reduction, credit management, investment, saving for retirement and avoiding impulse spending. — Gianna Campos, The Mercury News, "Dress for Success gives job-seeking women a better chance," 21 June 2019 So our complex, conscious actions come about from value judgments and impulses to act. — Massimo Pigliucci, Quartz, "This simple philosophy can calm your inner control freak," 17 June 2019 Part of the books’ appeal lies in Laura’s perspective: the plainer, naughtier sister, with a temper and selfish impulses—a child with whom any reader can identify. — Valeria Luiselli, The New York Review of Books, "Claire Messud," 21 Mar. 2019 Environmentalism is, at its heart, a deeply conservative impulse. — Nate Hochman, National Review, "How Might Republicans Win Young Voters?," 16 July 2019 Erasure is also a form of rewriting history—a popular impulse of late. — Lionel Shriver, Harper's magazine, "Cruel and Unusual Punishment," 10 Feb. 2019 Just over 100 years later, Dr. King continued this effort and called upon Americans to reject ugly impulses and prejudices, and to recognize the beauty and the humanity of all people, regardless of the color of their skin. — Leada Gore, AL.com, "President Trump proclamation on 50th anniversary of assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.," 4 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impulse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of impulse

Verb

1611, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for impulse

Noun

Latin impulsus, from impellere to impel

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More Definitions for impulse

impulse

noun
How to pronounce impulse (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of impulse

: a sudden strong desire to do something
technical : a small amount of energy that moves from one area to another

See the full definition for impulse in the English Language Learners Dictionary

impulse

noun
im·​pulse | \ ˈim-ˌpəls How to pronounce impulse (audio) \

Kids Definition of impulse

1 : a force that starts a body into motion

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