impulsive
UK: /ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/ | US: /ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/
adj. acting or done without forethought; driven by sudden urges
adj. (physics) relating to or produced by an impulse
Derived from Latin impulsus (past participle of impellere, "to push against/drive forward"), combining im- (a variant of in-, "toward") and pellere ("to push"). The suffix -ive was added in Middle English to form adjectives. The word originally described physical force (e.g., "impulsive motion" in physics) but evolved to describe psychological spontaneity by the 17th century, reflecting the metaphor of internal "pushes" driving behavior.
His impulsive decision to quit his job surprised everyone.
She regretted her impulsive purchase after seeing her bank statement.
The impulsive force of the collision damaged the car’s bumper.
Children often act on impulsive desires without considering consequences.
The novel’s protagonist is charming but overly impulsive.