Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of applying force suddenly; a sudden strong push or driving force: "Impulsion" refers to the action of causing something to move forward or onward through an abrupt application of energy or pressure.
   • An inner urge or impulse; a driving influence: "Impulsion" can also describe a powerful internal feeling or motivation that prompts one to act, often spontaneously or without deliberate thought.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The impulsion from the jet engine propelled the aircraft down the runway. (The sudden driving force from the jet engine moved the aircraft forward.)
  • He felt a sudden impulsion to call his old friend. (He experienced a strong inner urge to call his old friend.)
  • The impulsion of the wave carried the boat toward the shore. (The force of the wave moved the boat along.)

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Physics Context: In physics and engineering, "impulsion" can be synonymous with "impulse," referring to the product of a force and the time over which it acts, which changes an object's momentum.
  • The calculation of the impulsion was critical for the safety design.
• Equestrian Context: In horseback riding, "impulsion" specifically denotes the controlled, energetic forward movement generated by the horse from its hindquarters.
  • A good dressage horse shows excellent impulsion and collection.

Variants and Related Words

• Impulse (n): A sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act; also, a pulse of electrical energy or a force acting over a short time.
  • She had an impulse to buy the dress.
• Impulsive (adj): Acting or done without forethought; prone to acting on sudden urges.
  • His impulsive decision led to an adventure.
• Propulsion (n): The action of driving or pushing something forward.
  • The rocket's propulsion system is very powerful.

Synonyms

• Thrust: A sudden or violent push.
• Momentum: The impetus gained by a moving object.
• Urge: A strong desire or impulse.
• Compulsion: An irresistible urge to behave in a certain way.

Related Phrases

• On impulse / On an impulsion: Acting spontaneously due to a sudden feeling.
  • She bought the tickets on impulse.
• Give impulsion to: To provide a driving force or stimulus for something.
  • The new policy gave impulsion to economic growth.

Related Idioms

• A sudden impulsion: Describes an unexpected, powerful urge or force.
  • He left the party on a sudden impulsion, feeling he needed fresh air.

Noun

1. the act of applying force suddenly
   • the impulse knocked him over
2. a force that moves something along