Impulse

Pronunciation

Origin

From Middle French impulser, from Latin impulsus.

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.

Full definition of impulse

Noun

1. A thrust; a push; a sudden force that impels.
• S. ClarkeAll spontaneous animal motion is performed by mechanical impulse.
2. A wish or urge, particularly a sudden one prompting action.The impulse to learn drove me to study night and day.When I saw the new dictionary, I couldn't resist the impulse to browse through it.
• DrydenThese were my natural impulses for the undertaking.
• 1907, w, The Dust of Conflict Chapter 20, Tony's face expressed relief, and Nettie sat silent for a moment until the vicar said “It was a generous impulse, but it may have been a momentary one,....”
3. (physics) The integral of force over time.The total impulse from the impact will depend on the kinetic energy of the bullet.

Derived terms

• impulse buy
• nerve impulse
• on impulse

Related terms

• impel
• impulsion
• impulsive
• impulsively
• impulsiveness
• impulsor
• pulse

Verb

1. (obsolete) To impel; to incite.----