noun

impetus

impetus, momentum, stimulus, driving force

The new discovery gave impetus to the research.

The new discovery gave impetus to the research.

The report may provide the impetus for reform.

The report may provide the impetus for reform.

the ((impetus)) for sth. the force that makes something happen The report may provide the impetus for reform.

give ((impetus)) to sth. to give a boost or stimulus to something The new discovery gave impetus to the research.

Synonyms: momentum, motivation, stimulus, incentive, impulse

From Latin 'impetus' meaning 'attack, impulse, force', from 'impetere' 'to attack'. 'in-' (towards) + 'petere' (to seek, go to).

Think of a pet pushing you to go for a walk. That's the 'im-PET-us' to get moving.

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