impulse

pronunciation

How to pronounce impulse in British English: UK [ˈɪmpʌls]word uk audio image

How to pronounce impulse in American English: US [ˈɪmpʌls] word us audio image

  • Noun:
    an instinctive motive
    a sudden desire
    the electrical discharge that travels along a nerve fiber
    (electronics) a sharp transient wave in the normal electrical state (or a series of such transients)
    the act of applying force suddenly
    an impelling force or strength

Word Origin

impulse (n.)
early 15c., "an act of impelling, a thrust, push," from Latin impulsus "a push against, pressure, shock," also "incitement, instigation, impulse," past participle of impellere (see impel). Meaning "stimulus in the mind arising from some state or feeling" first recorded 1640s.

Synonym

Example

1. It 's an understandable impulse but it 's wrong .
2. The debunking impulse has also changed .
3. The opened pore allows electrical current to flow , and the neuron fires an electrical impulse .
4. Impulse buying is down , too .
5. This runs contrary to our every impulse .

more: >How to Use "impulse" with Example Sentences