impulse

impulse is part of the Basic English 850.

Pronunciation

•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

Noun

Singular impulse

Plural impulses

1. A desire to do something.
   • Synonym: desire

   The impulse to learn led me to study day and night.

2. A thrust; a push; a sudden force.

   Pushing an object gives it an impulse.

3. (Physics) The effect (integral) of force over time.
   • Synonym: force

   The total impulse from the impact will depend on the kinetic energy of the bullet.

Related words

• impulsive
• impulsiveness