Impulse Definition
ĭmpŭls
impulses
noun
impulses
An impelling force; sudden, driving force; push; thrust; impetus.
Webster's New World
The motion or effect caused by such a force.
Webster's New World
An impelling, or driving forward with sudden force.
Webster's New World
Incitement to action arising from a state of mind or some external stimulus.
Webster's New World
A sudden inclination to act, usually without premeditation.
An impulse purchase.
Webster's New World
adjective
Characterized by impulsiveness or acting on impulse.
An impulse shopper; impulse buying.
American Heritage
Other Word Forms of Impulse
Noun
Singular:
impulse
Plural:
impulsesOrigin of Impulse
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For spelling, as in pulse, the -e (on -lse) is so the end is pronounced /ls/, rather than /lz/ as in pulls, and does not change the vowel (‘u’). Compare else, false, convulse.
From Wiktionary
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Latin impulsus from past participle of impellere to impel impel
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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From Middle French impulser, from Latin impulsus.
From Wiktionary
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