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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of impetus¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• catalyst
• impulse
• incentive
• momentum
• motivation
• stimulant