Impulse: meaning, definitions and examples

💥

Add to dictionary

impulse

[ˈɪmpʌls ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

physical movement

An impulse is a sudden strong desire to do something. It can also refer to a sudden force or impact. In physics, an impulse is a change in momentum.

Synonyms

inclination, instinct, urge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impulse	Used to describe a sudden, spontaneous reaction or decision, often without much thought. She had an impulse to buy the dress even though it was expensive
urge	Indicates a strong desire or drive to do something, which can sometimes be difficult to resist. He had a strong urge to eat something sweet late at night
instinct	Describes an innate, often unconscious reaction or behavior typically based on intuition or gut feeling. Her maternal instinct kicked in when she saw the child crying
inclination	Refers to a person's natural tendency or preference toward something, often developed over time. He has an inclination to help others, which makes him a great teacher

Examples of usage

He felt an impulse to jump off the cliff.
The car crashed into the wall with great impulse.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

electrical signals

In physiology, an impulse is an electrical signal that travels along nerves, allowing communication between different parts of the body. It is essential for the functioning of the nervous system.

Synonyms

electrical impulse, signal, stimulus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impulse	Use 'impulse' when referring to a sudden strong urge or desire to act, or a brief electrical charge traveling along a nerve or muscle fiber. It often denotes a sudden force or movement. She felt an impulse to run away. The neurons fired an impulse, sending a signal to the brain.
signal	Use 'signal' to describe any form of transmission that conveys information. This can be electronic, visual, or auditory. It is broader than 'electrical impulse' and can apply to technology, communication, or even natural phenomena. The train station sends out a signal to indicate arrival times. Her raised hand was a signal to stop.
stimulus	Use 'stimulus' when referring to something that incites or quickens action, feeling, or thought. In biological contexts, it refers to anything that triggers a response in an organism. The loud noise was a stimulus that made the cat jump. Economic stimulus measures are designed to encourage growth.
electrical impulse	This term is specifically used in a scientific context to describe a brief flow of electric current in a circuit or along a nerve. It is highly specific and technical. The heart's rhythm is controlled by electrical impulses. Medical devices often monitor electrical impulses to diagnose conditions.

Examples of usage

The impulse from the brain triggers muscle contractions.
Nerve cells transmit impulses to the spinal cord.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

economics

In economics, an impulse refers to a sudden increase in consumer spending on goods and services. It often occurs due to external factors like promotions or discounts.

Synonyms

impulsive buying, spending spree.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impulse	Impulse refers to a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act. It is often used in situations where someone acts without thinking things through. On an impulse, he decided to go on a trip to the mountains. She bought the dress on a sudden impulse.
spending spree	A spending spree refers to a brief period of extravagant spending, often involving multiple impulsive purchases. This term usually implies a lack of restraint and can have a negative connotation. After receiving his bonus, he went on a spending spree that left him with little savings. Her weekend spending spree included buying new clothes, electronics, and dining out at expensive restaurants.
impulsive buying	Impulsive buying refers to making purchases without planning or considering the need or consequences. This term is commonly used in the context of shopping and often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of self-control. Impulsive buying can lead to financial problems if not controlled. She regretted her impulsive buying spree at the mall.

Word

Description / Examples

impulse

Impulse refers to a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act. It is often used in situations where someone acts without thinking things through.

On an impulse, he decided to go on a trip to the mountains.
She bought the dress on a sudden impulse.

spending spree

A spending spree refers to a brief period of extravagant spending, often involving multiple impulsive purchases. This term usually implies a lack of restraint and can have a negative connotation.

After receiving his bonus, he went on a spending spree that left him with little savings.
Her weekend spending spree included buying new clothes, electronics, and dining out at expensive restaurants.

impulsive buying

Impulsive buying refers to making purchases without planning or considering the need or consequences. This term is commonly used in the context of shopping and often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of self-control.

Impulsive buying can lead to financial problems if not controlled.
She regretted her impulsive buying spree at the mall.

Examples of usage

The holiday season often sees a spike in consumer impulses.
Retailers rely on impulses to drive sales.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'impulsus,' which means 'to strike against' or 'to drive forward.'
In the 14th century, 'impulse' was primarily used in the context of physical force or a push.
By the 17th century, it started to adopt a psychological meaning, referring to urges or drives.

Psychology

Impulsivity is often linked to decision-making processes and can lead to both positive and negative outcomes.
Research shows that individuals with high impulsivity may struggle with self-control and patience.
Certain mental health conditions, such as ADHD, can increase impulsive behaviors, influencing daily life.

Science

In physics, impulse refers to the change of momentum experienced by an object when a force acts upon it over time.
The formula for impulse is the product of force and time, representing how forces affect motion.
Understanding impulse can help explain phenomena such as car crashes and the safety measures that mitigate their effects.

Pop Culture

The concept of impulse can often be found in movies where characters make spontaneous decisions that drive the plot.
Television shows often depict characters acting on impulse, leading to comic or dramatic situations that highlight human nature.
The song 'Impulse' by DJ Tiesto explores themes of spontaneity and living in the moment, reflecting cultural attitudes toward acting without restraint.

Literature

Many literary works explore the theme of impulsive actions leading to significant consequences, like in Shakespeare's plays.
The character of Jay Gatsby in 'The Great Gatsby' is often viewed as impulsive, acting on his desires, which shapes the narrative.
Impulsive characters can serve as crucial catalysts in stories, driving conflict and leading to resolutions.

Translations

Translations of the word "impulse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impulso

🇮🇳 प्रेरणा

🇩🇪 Impuls

🇮🇩 dorongan

🇺🇦 імпульс

🇵🇱 impuls

🇯🇵 衝動 (しょうどう)

🇫🇷 impulsion

🇪🇸 impulso

🇹🇷 itki

🇰🇷 충동 (chungdong)

🇸🇦 نبضة

🇨🇿 impuls

🇸🇰 impulz

🇨🇳 冲动 (chōngdòng)

🇸🇮 impulz

🇮🇸 hvöt

🇰🇿 импульс

🇬🇪 იმპულსი

🇦🇿 impuls

🇲🇽 impulso

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,866, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4863 overhead
4864 mouse
4865 solvent
4866 impulse
4867 abilities
4868 allocated
4869 shear
...