1. a sudden strong desire to do something
2. a force that causes something to move or change direction
Usage: physics
3. an electrical signal sent along a nerve or wire
Usage: technical

1. to give an impulse to; to drive forward
Usage: formal

Examples

• She had an impulse to call her old friend.
• He bought the expensive watch on impulse.
• The rocket’s impulse carried it into orbit.
• Nerve impulses travel quickly through the body.
• The collision gave the ball enough impulse to reach the goal.
• Try to resist the impulse to check your phone constantly.
• The sudden impulse of wind knocked over the umbrella.