(ˈ)im|pəls]iv, əmˈp-, ]ēv also -l(t)s] or ]əv adjective
Etymology: probably from Middle French impulsif, from impulsion + -if -ive
1. : having the power of or actually driving or impelling
an impulsive force
an impulsive influence
2.
a. : actuated by or especially prone to act on impulse
a houseful of impulsive children
the impulsive buying of luxury items
impulsive , capricious and touchy — D.C.Buchanan
men's thoughtless or impulsive acts — M.R.Cohen
b. : compulsive 3
3. : acting momentarily
a motor giving the mechanism impulsive thrusts
Synonyms: see spontaneous