impetus

Meaning

1. Anything that impels; a stimulating factor.
2. A force, either internal or external, that impels; an impulse.
3. The force or energy associated with a moving body; a stimulus.
4. A principle of motive force, held as equivalent to weight times velocity by John Buridan, in an auxiliary theory of Aristotelian dynamics introduced by John Philoponus, describing projectile motion against gravity as linear until it transitions to a vertical drop and the intellectual precursor to the concepts of inertia, momentum and acceleration in classical mechanics.
5. An activity in response to a stimulus.

Synonyms

momentum

impulse

stimulus

drive

force

impulsion

incitement

access

incentive

stimulation

prod

drift

spur

speed

prodding

power

urge

instigation

abetment

catalyst

chance

🎲

cue

energy

excuse

irritation

motive

occasion

rush

start

stimulant

surge

velocity

yen

💴

birr

motivation

initiative

course

instigator

instinct

zest

jostle

key

🔑

knack

manner

condition

mood

weight

motivity

sensibilia

pitch

brunt

precipitance

bout

boost

promote

promotion

propulsion

push

reinforcer

rhythm

spur of the moment

bang

appetite

spurring

dynamic force

state of health

surplus power

actuation

action

strain

strength

style

accelerate

thrust

time

⌚

tone

trend

tune

acceleration

vehemence

vehemency

vein

solvent abuse

vigor

vigour

vim

way

transport

zap

⚡

facilitation

furtherance

goading

haste

hunch

impetuosity

encouragement

elan

delirium

dash

💨

inertia

Translations

impulsion

Impuls

impulso

impuls

incitation

aandrang

Antrieb

élan

Schwung

Anstoß

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɪm.pə.təs/

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin impetus (“a rushing upon, an attack, assault, onset”), from impetō (“to rush upon, attack”), from in- (“upon”) + petō (“to seek, fall upon”).