IMPULSION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does impulsion mean? 

• IMPULSION (noun)
  The noun IMPULSION has 2 senses:

1. a force that moves something along

2. the act of applying force suddenly

  Familiarity information: IMPULSION used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• IMPULSION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A force that moves something along

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural phenomena

Synonyms:

drift; impetus; impulsion

Hypernyms ("impulsion" is a kind of...):

force ((physics) the influence that produces a change in a physical quantity)

Derivation:

impel (urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The act of applying force suddenly

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

impetus; impulse; impulsion

Context example:

the impulse knocked him over

Hypernyms ("impulsion" is a kind of...):

drive; driving force; thrust (the act of applying force to propel something)

Derivation:

impel (cause to move forward with force)

 Context examples 

At length I was clear of my dangerous neighbour, and just as I gave the last impulsion, my hands came across a light cord that was trailing overboard across the stern bulwarks.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

He experienced two great impulsions—to yield and to fight.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

With every impulsion the oscillation increased, those in front trying vainly to steady themselves against the rushes from behind, until suddenly there came a sharp snap, two white stakes with earth clinging to their points flew into the outer ring, and a spray of people, dashed from the solid wave behind, were thrown against the line of the beaters-out.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Later on, when each developed individuality and became personally conscious of impulsions and desires, the attraction of the light increased.

(White Fang, by Jack London)