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View synonyms for impetus

impetus

[ im-pi-tuhs ]

noun

, plural im·pe·tus·es.
  1. a moving force; impulse; stimulus:

    The grant for building the opera house gave impetus to the city's cultural life.

    Synonyms: stimulation, boost, spur

  2. (broadly) the momentum of a moving body, especially with reference to the cause of motion.


impetus

/ ˈɪmpɪtəs /

noun

  1. an impelling movement or force; incentive or impulse; stimulus
  2. physics the force that sets a body in motion or that tends to resist changes in a body's motion
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of impetus1

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin: “an attack,” literally, “a rushing into,” perhaps by haplology from unattested impetitus (though the expected form would be unattested impetītus; appetite ), equivalent to impetī-, variant stem of impetere “to attack” ( im- im- 1 + petere “to make for, assault”) + -tus suffix of verb action
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Word History and Origins

Origin of impetus1

C17: from Latin: attack, from impetere to assail, from im- (in) + petere to make for, seek out
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Example Sentences

Finding someone to carry on the legacy of the DVF brand was part of the impetus behind her forthcoming E!

Another huge impetus behind the movement to legalize sex work is the current focus on ending the scourge of sex trafficking.

My friend, Eleanor, who actually was also the impetus for my writing Running on Empty, was not a Very Good Girl.

These candidates all claimed that God was the impetus and continuing force behind their campaigns.

The impetus behind this decision was a desire to change the odds for children like my cousin and me.

It aids conversation by occasionally interrupting it for a short period, to be renewed with a new impetus.

She heard him stride to the door with the impetus of fury; it opened violently, and she swept past him into the room.

Such young men have received a new impetus in the way that leads to destruction, and such are the common fruits of a village ball.

Anything new is fashionable, and a new church always gives an impetus to the number of its worshipers.

His head leaned towards her with its salient thrust, its poise of impetus and forward flight.

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impetuousimpf.