impulse

UK: /ˈɪmpʌls/ | US: /ˈɪmpʌls/

Definition

  1. n. a sudden strong urge or desire to act

  2. n. (Physics) a force acting briefly on a body, producing a finite change of momentum

  3. n. an electrical signal transmitted through nerve cells

Structure
im <toward/in>pulse <drive/push>
Etymology

impulse = im<toward/in> + pulse<drive/push>

  • im (Latin in-, meaning "toward" or "into")
  • pulse (Latin pulsus, from pellere, meaning "to drive/push")

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin impulsus (past participle of impellere, "to push/drive forward"), the word evolved into Middle French impulsion before entering English in the 17th century. The core idea of "sudden driving force" persists in both literal (physics) and figurative (urge) senses.

Examples

  1. She acted on impulse and bought the dress without thinking.

  2. The nerve cells transmit electrical impulses to the brain.

  3. He felt an impulse to apologize immediately.

  4. The rocket’s thrust provided a strong impulse for liftoff.

  5. Creative impulses often arise unexpectedly.