I. ˈim-ˌpəls, im-ˈ transitive verb
( im·pulsed ; im·puls·ing )
Date: 1611
: to give an impulse to
II. ˈim-ˌpəls noun
Etymology: Latin impulsus, from impellere to impel
Date: 1647
1.
a. : inspiration , motivation
b. : a force so communicated as to produce motion suddenly
c. : incentive
2.
a. : the act of driving onward with sudden force : impulsion
b. : motion produced by such an impulsion : impetus
c. : a wave of excitation transmitted through tissues and especially nerve fibers and muscles that results in physiological activity or inhibition
3.
a. : a sudden spontaneous inclination or incitement to some usually unpremeditated action
b. : a propensity or natural tendency usually other than rational
4.
a. : the product of the average value of a force and the time during which it acts : the change in momentum produced by the force
b. : pulse 4a
Synonyms: see motive