
Impulse
Emotion origin
The 'impulse' to act stems from a sudden emotion rather than careful thought.

Seeing the injured animal by the road, she had an impulse to help.
Temporary feeling
'Impulse' often refers to a temporary desire that might quickly pass.

He bought the expensive shoes on an impulse, but later regretted it.
Acting without plan
Acting on 'impulse' means doing something unplanned.

She cut her hair on impulse and surprised everyone.
Compare with
CompulsionDriveInclinationInstinctSpontaneityStimulusTemptationUrge
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension