Impetus

Origin

From Latin impetus ("a rushing upon, an attack, assault, onset"), from impetere ("to rush upon, attack"), from in ("upon") + petere ("to seek, fall upon").

Full definition of impetus

Noun

1. Something that impels, a stimulating factor.The outbreak of World War II in 1939 gave a new impetus to receiver development.
• 2011, Phil McNulty, Euro 2012: Montenegro 2-2 England http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15195384.stmIn a single moment Montenegro and their supporters were given fresh impetus and encouragement. Beciraj tested Hart with a low shot before teenager Phil Jones, on his England debut, suffered an anxious moment when Stevan Jovetic went down under his challenge, leaving the youngster clearly relieved to see referee Stark wave away Montenegro's appeals.
2. A force, either internal or external, that impels; an impulse.
3. The force or energy associated with a moving body; a stimulus.
4. An activity in response to a stimulus.

Related terms

• impetuous

Anagrams

• imputes