vt to impel; to incite.
2. impulse ·noun the effect of an impelling force; motion produced by a sudden or momentary force.
3. impulse ·noun 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.
4. impulse ·noun the act of impelling, or driving onward with sudden force; impulsion; especially, force so communicated as to produced motion suddenly, or immediately.
5. impulse ·noun 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.