impulse

About 11.56 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun A thrust; a push; a sudden force that impels.
2. noun A wish or urge, particularly a sudden one prompting action.

   The impulse to learn drove me to study night and day.

3. noun The integral of force over time.

   The total impulse from the impact will depend on the kinetic energy of the projectile.

4. verb To impel; to incite.

Similar words

impulsion impetus caprice urge vagary whim pulsing momentum pulsation pulse

Often followed by

to of is and was response in which that

Word family

impulse buy/purchase impulsed impulses impulsing on an impulse