impulse

²im·pulse

noun \ˈim-ˌpəls\

Definition of IMPULSE

1

a : inspiration, motivation b : a force so communicated as to produce motion suddenly c : incentive

2

a : the act of driving onward with sudden force : impulsion b : motion produced by such an impulsion : impetus c : a wave of excitation transmitted through tissues and especially nerve fibers and muscles that results in physiological activity or inhibition

3

a : a sudden spontaneous inclination or incitement to some usually unpremeditated action b : a propensity or natural tendency usually other than rational

4

a : the product of the average value of a force and the time during which it acts : the change in momentum produced by the force b : pulse 4a

Examples of IMPULSE

1. He has to learn to control his impulses.
2. <the new auto factory was just the impulse that the local economy needed>

Origin of IMPULSE

Latin impulsus, from impellere to impel

First Known Use: 1647

Related to IMPULSE

Synonyms: boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast, shot in the arm

Antonyms: counterincentive, disincentive

Related Words: inducement, invitation; antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason; catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark

Near Antonyms: allergy, averseness, aversion, disfavor, disinclination, dislike, disliking, disrelish, distaste; detachment, impartiality, neutrality, objectivity; apathy, disinterestedness, indifference, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern

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See Synonym Discussion at motive

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal