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impulsive

 - 4 dictionary results

im⋅pul⋅sive

[im-puhl-siv]
–adjective
1. actuated or swayed by emotional or involuntary impulses: an impulsive child.
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.

Origin:
1375–1425 for an earlier sense; 1545–55 for current senses; late ME impulsif < ML impulsīvus. See impulse, -ive


im⋅pul⋅sive⋅ly, adverb
im⋅pul⋅sive⋅ness, im⋅pul⋅siv⋅i⋅ty, noun


1. rash, quick, hasty. See impetuous.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To impulsive
im·pul·sive   (ĭm-pŭl'sĭv)   
adj.  
  1. Inclined to act on impulse rather than thought.

  2. Motivated by or resulting from impulse: such impulsive acts as hugging strangers; impulsive generosity. See Synonyms at spontaneous.

  3. Having force or power to impel or incite; forceful.

  4. Physics Acting within brief time intervals. Used especially of a force.

im·pul'sive·ly adv., im·pul'sive·ness, im'pul·siv'i·ty n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: im·pul·sive
Pronunciation: im-'p&l-siv
Function: adjective
1 : having the power of or actually driving or impelling
2 : actuated by or prone to act on impulse <impulsive behavior>
3 : acting momentarily impulsive auditory stimuli> —im·pul·sive·ly adverbim·pul·sive·ness nounim·pul·siv·i·ty /-"p&l-'siv-&t-E/ noun plural -ties
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

impulsive im·pul·sive (ĭm-pŭl'sĭv)
adj.

  1. Inclined or tending to act on impulse rather than thought.

  2. Motivated by or resulting from impulse.


im·pul'sive·ness or im'pul·siv'i·ty n.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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