impulse
Translation
impulse, urge, stimulus
Examples
He had a sudden impulse to buy a new car.
He had a sudden impulse to buy a new car.
The nerve sends an impulse to the brain.
The nerve sends an impulse to the brain.
She bought the shoes on impulse.
She bought the shoes on impulse.
Grammar Patterns
((an impulse)) to do sth. a sudden strong wish to do sth. He felt an impulse to shout.
to act ((on impulse)) to do sth. suddenly without thinking She often acts on impulse.
Similar Words
Synonyms: urge, desire, instinct; Antonyms: deliberation, forethought
Etymology
From Latin 'impellere' (to push, drive), from 'im-' (in) + 'pellere' (to push).
Memory Tips
Think of an internal 'pulse' that 'pushes' you ('im-') to act suddenly.