impulse

Definitions

1. 1.The effect of an impelling force; motion produced by a sudden or momentary force.
2. 2.(Mech.) The action of a force during a very small interval of time; the effect of such action; as, the impulse of a sudden blow upon a hard elastic body.
3. 3.A mental force which simply and directly urges to action; hasty inclination; sudden motive; momentary or transient influence of appetite or passion; propension; incitement; as, a man of good impulses; passion often gives a violent impulse to the will. These were my natural impulses for the undertaking. Dryden.
4. 4.To impel; to incite. [Obs.] Pope.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "impulse" mean?
• What is another word for "impulse"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is impulse.

• What is the effect of an impelling force; motion produced by a sudden or momentary force called?
• What is the action of a force during a very small interval of time; the effect of such action; as, the impulse of a sudden blow upon a hard elastic body called?