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

“Household finances are in good shape and an impetus for strong spending heading into the holiday season, though households will spend more cautiously.”

From Los Angeles Times

The fallout from the Black Lives Matter protests added impetus to the change that was already happening.

From BBC

The impetus behind tariffs is often to level the economic playing field, such as to avoid letting China subsidize production to create monopolies, said Usha Haley, professor of international business at Wichita State University.

From Salon

The impetus for that signing, as multiple people with the club later acknowledged, was about more than just winning baseball games.

From Los Angeles Times

Presidents and prime ministers normally attend these conferences at the start to provide impetus.

From BBC

Related Words

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