impulse
word
/ˈɪmpəɫs/
IM-puhls
/ˈɪmpʌls/
IM-puhls
Definition
A sudden strong desire to do something without thinking carefully; also, in science, a quick force that causes movement.
Usage & Nuances
Formal-to-neutral; commonly used for emotions ('buying on impulse', 'control your impulses'). In science, refers to quick forces (physics, biology). Often used with 'act on', 'resist', or 'sudden'.
Spanish: impulsoPortuguese (BR): impulsoPortuguese (PT): impulsoChinese (Simplified): 冲动Chinese (Traditional): 衝動Hindi: आवेगArabic: دافعBengali: উৎকৃষ্ট ইচ্ছা - আকস্মিক প্রবৃত্তিRussian: импульс - порывJapanese: 衝動 - インパルス（物理）Vietnamese: xung động - bốc đồngKorean: 충동 - 임펄스(과학)Turkish: dürtü - impuls (fizik)Urdu: اچانک خواہش - تحریک (سائنس)Indonesian: dorongan tiba-tiba - impuls (fisika)
Example Sentences
Try to control your impulse to shout.
basic
An electric impulse moves through the nerve.
basic
I couldn't resist the impulse to eat cake at midnight.
natural
Sometimes, a creative impulse can lead to amazing ideas.
natural
He bought the shoes on an impulse.
basic
Acting on impulse isn't always a bad thing.
natural