a sudden strong desire to do something, a force that causes something to happen or be done

on impulse, act on impulse, follow one's impulses

impulse control, impulse purchase, impulse response

Formal and Informal Expressions of impulse

In different contexts, you can replace 'impulse' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'inclination, propensity' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'whim, urge' is a commonplace synonym.

impulse: Explore its Definition & Usage

impulse Definition

1a sudden strong desire to do something
2a force that causes something to happen or be done

Using impulse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "impulse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I had an impulse to buy the dress even though I didn't need it.
Example
He acted on impulse and quit his job without a backup plan.
Example
The car moved forward due to the impulse of the driver's foot on the gas pedal.

impulse Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for impulse

Antonyms for impulse

Idioms Using impulse

on impulse
done suddenly and without thinking carefully about the consequences
Example
She bought the plane ticket on impulse and regretted it later.
act on impulse
to do something suddenly and without thinking carefully about the consequences
Example
He acted on impulse and proposed to her after only a few weeks of dating.
follow one's impulses
to act on one's desires or instincts without considering the consequences
Example
She decided to follow her impulses and quit her job to travel the world.

Phrases with impulse

impulse control
the ability to resist sudden urges or impulses
Example
Children with ADHD often struggle with impulse control.
impulse purchase
buying something on a whim without planning or thinking about it beforehand
Example
I regret making that impulse purchase at the store yesterday.
impulse response
the output of a system when presented with a brief input signal, used in signal processing and engineering
Example
The impulse response of the speaker system was measured and analyzed for optimal sound quality.

Origins of impulse

from Latin 'impulsus', meaning 'a push against'

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Summary: impulse in Brief

The term 'impulse' [ˈɪmpʌls] refers to a sudden strong desire to do something or a force that causes something to happen. It can be a positive or negative urge, as exemplified by 'I had an impulse to buy the dress even though I didn't need it.' 'Impulse' extends into phrases like 'on impulse,' and idioms like 'act on impulse,' denoting sudden actions without careful consideration.