Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Impulse
1.
The act of impelling, or driving onward with sudden force; impulsion; especially, force so communicated as to produced motion suddenly, or immediately.
All spontaneous animal motion is performed by mechanical
impulse
. S. Clarke.
2.
The effect of an impelling force; motion produced by a sudden or momentary force.
3.
(Mech.)
The action of a force during a very small interval of time; the effect of such action;
as, the
. impulse
of a sudden blow upon a hard elastic body
Syn. – Force; incentive; influence; motive; feeling; incitement; instigation.
Webster 1828 Edition
Impulse
IM'PULSE
,Noun.
1.
Force communicated; the effect of one body acting on another. Impulse is the effect of motion, and is in proportion to the quantity of matter and velocity of the impelling body.2.
Influence acting on the mind; motive. These were my natural impulses for the undertaking.
3.
Impression; supposed supernatural influence on the mind. Meantime, by Jove's impulse, Mezentius armed,
Succeeded Turnus--