1
[ noun ] a force that moves something along

Synonyms

drift impulsion

Used in print

(J. H. Hexter, "Thomas More: On the Margins...)

Moreover , it is too readily forgotten that in the Republic what gave the initial impetus to Plato 's excursus into the construction of an imaginary commonwealth with its ruling-class communism of goods , wives , and children , was his quest for a canon for the proper ordering of the individual human psyche ; and it is to this problem that the Republic ultimately returns .

Related terms

force impel

2
[ noun ] the act of applying force suddenly

Synonyms

impulse impulsion

Examples

"the impulse knocked him over"

Related terms

drive propel

*