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View synonyms for impulsive

impulsive

[ im-puhl-siv ]

adjective

  1. actuated or swayed by emotional or involuntary impulses:

    an impulsive child.

    Synonyms: hasty, quick, rash

  2. having the power or effect of impelling; characterized by impulsion:

    impulsive forces.

  3. inciting to action:

    the impulsive effects of a revolutionary idea.

  4. Mechanics. (of forces) acting momentarily; not continuous.


impulsive

/ ɪmˈpʌlsɪv /

adjective

  1. characterized by actions based on sudden desires, whims, or inclinations rather than careful thought

    an impulsive man

  2. based on emotional impulses or whims; spontaneous

    an impulsive kiss

  3. forceful, inciting, or impelling
  4. (of physical forces) acting for a short time; not continuous
  5. (of a sound) brief, loud, and having a wide frequency range
“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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Derived Forms

  • imˈpulsiveness, noun
  • imˈpulsively, adverb
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Other Words From

  • im·pul·sive·ly adverb
  • im·pul·siv·i·ty [im-puhl-, siv, -i-tee], im·pul·sive·ness noun
  • non·im·pul·sive adjective
  • non·im·pul·sive·ly adverb
  • un·im·pul·sive adjective
  • un·im·pul·sive·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of impulsive1

First recorded in 1375–1425 for an earlier sense; 1545–55 for current senses; late Middle English impulsif, from Medieval Latin impulsīvus; impulse, -ive
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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

Sometimes my best work will be rather spontaneous or impulsive.

From Time

What makes his decision seem impulsive and even dangerous is that Unity is still far short of becoming the kind of thoroughly tested and reliable vehicle that would be able to fly passengers on a regular schedule.

In my highs, I was drinking compulsively and taking impulsive risks in the mountains as a coping strategy.

Her team uses computer games like this to measure how cautious or impulsive people are.

It tries to exert self-control by tamping down the limbic system’s impulsive urges.

So, did Opperud make the plan and then get the impulsive Lane to come with him at the last second?

But Hezbollah has more pressing strategic imperatives today, and Nasrallah is not known as an impulsive leader.

Griffith is hardly alone amongst the lovelorn, impulsive, and unfortunately tattooed.

As someone who spent time with him in his 2008 campaign put it, he would have been an impulsive, perilous president.

And while depression often keeps its victims from thinking clearly, the Internet encourages impulsive behavior.

In his childlike, impulsive fashion he had not thought of the future when he adopted Jean.

Eloquent in speech, warm-hearted and impulsive, he found it difficult to resist a joke, even at the expense of his friend.

I made an impulsive forward movement, but Dr. Silence instantly dragged me back.

This habit is an outcome of our frank, impulsive character; but the Scotch would be slow in appreciating it.

In their habits they resembled children, being sensitive and impulsive, fond of play, and very quick in their motions.

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impulsionimpulsiveness