impulse

Meaning

Noun

1. A thrust; a push; a sudden force that impels.
2. A wish or urge, particularly a sudden one prompting action.
3. The integral of force over time.

Verb

To impel; to incite.

Synonyms

impetus

impulsion

drive

urge

caprice

whim

pulse

motive

momentum

access

thrust

push

stimulus

instigation

actuation

motivation

fancy

pulsation

desire

prod

notion

stimulant

boost

catalyst

driving force

gust

impact

incitement

inclination

nerve impulse

outburst

prodding

promotion

propulsion

pulsing

spur

abetment

stimulation

yen

💴

zeal

nervous impulse

neural impulse

jostle

lash

lift

longing

mainspring

mind

energy

encounter

Translations

impulsion

impulso

impulso

Impuls

impulso

impuls

impuls

pulsion

Antrieb

drang

incitation

aandrift

Trieb

propulsion

élan

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɪmpʌls/

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French impulser, from Latin impulsus.
For spelling, as in pulse, the -e (on -lse) is so the end is pronounced /ls/, rather than /lz/ as in pulls, and does not change the vowel (‘u’). Compare else, false, convulse.