impulse
Translation
impulse, urge, whim
Examples
He bought the car on an impulse.
He bought the car on an impulse.
She resisted the impulse to laugh.
She resisted the impulse to laugh.
The nerve transmits an electrical impulse to the brain.
The nerve transmits an electrical impulse to the brain.
Grammar Patterns
((an)) impulse ((to-inf)) a sudden strong wish to do (sth.) She felt an impulse to run away.
((on)) an impulse to do something suddenly without planning He quit his job on an impulse.
Similar Words
Synonyms: urge, whim, compulsion, instinct; Antonyms: plan, forethought, consideration
Etymology
From Latin 'impulsus', past participle of 'impellere' (to push, drive). It means 'a push from within'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'pulse' pushing you ('im-') from inside to do something suddenly.