impulsive Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective satellite proceeding from natural feeling or impulse without external stimulus
unprompted.
- an impulsive gesture of affection
adjective satellite without forethought
- letting him borrow her car was an impulsive act that she immediately regretted
adjective satellite having the power of driving or impelling
driving.
- a driving personal ambition
- the driving force was his innate enthusiasm
- an impulsive force
adjective satellite determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason
whimsical; capricious.
- a capricious refusal
- authoritarian rulers are frequently capricious
- the victim of whimsical persecutions
adjective satellite characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation; (`brainish' is archaic)
impetuous; brainish; tearaway; madcap; hotheaded.
- a hotheaded decision
- liable to such impulsive acts as hugging strangers
- an impetuous display of spending and gambling
- madcap escapades

Cf. F. impulsif.

Having the power of driving or impelling; giving an impulse; moving; impellent.
Poor men! poor papers! We and they Do some impulsive force obey. Prior.
Actuated by impulse or by transient feelings.
My heart, impulsive and wayward. Longfellow.
(Mech.) Acting momentarily, or by impulse; not continuous; -- said of forces.