2. The effect of an impelling force; motion produced by a sudden or momentary force.
3. (Mech.)
Defn: 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. 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. These were my natural impulses for the undertaking. Dryden.
Syn. — Force; incentive; influence; motive; feeling; incitement; instigation.
IMPULSE
Im*pulse", v. t. Etym: [See Impel.]
Defn: To impel; to incite. [Obs.] Pope.
IMPULSION
Im*pul"sion, n. Etym: [L. impulsio: cf. F. impulsion. See Impel.]
1. The act of impelling or driving onward, or the state of being impelled; the sudden or momentary agency of a body in motion on another body; also, the impelling force, or impulse. "The impulsion of the air." Bacon.
2. Influence acting unexpectedly or temporarily on the mind; sudden motive or influence; impulse. "The impulsion of conscience." Clarendon. "Divine impulsion prompting." Milton.