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impulsion

impulsion

7.9
A sudden strong feeling or push that makes people and things act
  • noun
  • /ɪmˈpʌlʃən/
translation icon : impulsión
  • The sudden impulsion of the car sent it skidding across the ice.

Examples

  • A strong impulsion from behind pushed the door open abruptly.

  • She felt an impulsion to speak, though she stayed silent.

  • The impulsion of the rocket was impressive.

  • She felt a sudden impulsion to jump into the water.

  • The impulsion of the car's engine propelled it forward at an incredible speed.

  • With a sudden impulsion, the athlete launched himself into the air, clearing the bar easily.

  • The impulsion from the strong wind moved the leaves swiftly across the path.

Synonyms

push
vsimpulsion
138 1.0

A force that moves something away from you

signals a sudden driving action rather than any general or gentle moving force
shove
vsimpulsion
31 2.7

A quick strong push that moves someone or something

describes a sudden propelling force in general not only a physical push
tug
vsimpulsion
31 1.1

A sudden strong pull on something

refers to a sudden driving force that usually moves something away
thrust
vsimpulsion
26 4.2

A strong sudden push often made with a hand or weapon

is a general sudden driving force not tied to a specific striking tool
impulse
vsimpulsion
  • Specialized
23 4.2

A sudden push that makes a thing change speed or direction

focuses on the act of applying force suddenly rather than its result
jerk
vsimpulsion
7 2.2

A sudden sharp movement or pull

focuses on sudden applied force causing motion rather than the movement itself
impetus
vsimpulsion
1 7.0

A sudden force that makes something start moving faster

emphasizes the sudden action of applying force rather than sustained energy
jounce
vsimpulsion
9.9

A sudden jolt that makes things shake

means a sudden propelling force that causes motion rather than mere jolt

Antonyms

73 4.7

Something used to hold a person or animal still

inhibition
  • Specialized
6 7.5

An action that reduces the activity of a nerve or body part

How Forceful

thrust
  • Specialized
56 5.1
shove
31 2.7
impulsion
7.9
to nudge
33 3.8
tap
66 1.0

Surface Forms

impulsion singular
impulsions plural

Morphology

impulsion = impulse (transparent) = impulse + ion

The sense represents the act or force associated with 'impulse' formed by the standard suffix '-ion', so the derivation is straightforward.

Etymology

Impulsion shares its root with impulse, from Latin in- 'into' and pellere 'to drive', which gives a clear picture of being pushed. So, impulsion often means a sudden 'push' or driving force that makes something start or change direction.