impulsive

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/ɪmˈpʌlsɪv/
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Sudden action from a passing urge, and in technical use a force, signal, or stimulus that drives or acts briefly.
Practice using impulsive in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The model treats the impact as an impulsive input.
  • An impulsive apology can still be sincere.
  • She tried to pause before sending another impulsive message.
  • The sensor recorded an impulsive sound from the blast.
  • The hammer blow produced an impulsive change in momentum.

Similar words

impetuous
reckless
hasty
propulsive
heedless
transient
rash
spontaneous
impelling
percussive

Meanings

Acting on sudden urges

adjective
psychology
neutral
Done from a sudden urge before the consequences have been carefully weighed.

Examples

  • Her impulsive choice to quit the job shocked her colleagues.
  • The impulsive purchase left him with regret.
  • He is known for his impulsive reactions under pressure.
  • An impulsive apology can still be sincere.
  • The most impulsive decisions often ignore obvious risks.
  • She tried to pause before sending another impulsive message.

Similar words

rash
hasty
impetuous
spontaneous
reckless
unthinking
heedless

Acting as a brief force or stimulus

adjective
physics
technical
Able to drive something by a push, or acting as a brief force, signal, or stimulus rather than a continuous one.

Examples

  • The collision applies an impulsive force to the ball.
  • The sensor recorded an impulsive sound from the blast.
  • Short impulsive loads can damage a light structure.
  • The circuit was tested with an impulsive signal.
  • The hammer blow produced an impulsive change in momentum.
  • The model treats the impact as an impulsive input.

Similar words

momentary
transient
driving
impelling
propulsive
percussive

Etymology

From late Middle English and French impulsif, from Medieval Latin impulsivus, based on Latin impulsus, the past participle of impellere, meaning to push or drive onward.

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