impulsive Definition

impulse
noun

1. A sudden push forwards; a force producing sudden movement forwards; a thrust.
2. The motion or movement produced by such a force or push.
3. A sudden desire or urge to do something without thinking of the consequences.

Example: bought the dress on impulse
Thesaurus: urge, wish, inclination, caprice, fancy, thought, motivation, drive, appeal, notion.
4. An instinctive or natural tendency.
5. physiol.
An electrical signal that travels along a nerve fibre, and in turn causes excitation of other nerve, muscle or gland cells, so relaying information throughout the nervous system. Also called nerve impulse.
6. physics.
For two objects that briefly collide with each other: the product of the force produced and the time for which it acts.

Derivative: impulsion

See separate entries.

Etymology: 17c: from Latin impulsus pressure.

---

impulsive
adj

1. Said of a person: tending or likely to act suddenly and without considering the consequences.

Thesaurus: impetuous, sudden, hasty, precipitate, reactionary, reckless, rash, violent; Antonym: cautious.
2. Said of an action: done without such consideration; reckless; spontaneous.

Thesaurus: spontaneous, offhand, extemporaneous, unpremeditated.
3. Having the power to urge or push forwards, into motion or into action.
4. Not continuous; acting or actuated by impulse.

Derivative: impulsively
adverb

Derivative: impulsiveness
noun