impulse

[ˈɪmpʌls]

impulse Definition

• 1. a sudden strong desire to do something
• 2. a 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

• urge
• instinct
• inclination
• drive
• compulsion

Antonyms for impulse

• inhibition
• restraint

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.