What is impulsive mean

Impulsive Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

im·pul·sive im-ˈpəl-siv

: arising from an impulse

an impulsive decision

: prone to act on impulse

an impulsive young man

: acting momentarily

: having the power of or actually driving or impelling

impulsively adverb

impulsiveness noun

impulsivity

im-ˌpəl-ˈsi-və-tē

noun

Synonyms

besetting
compulsive
driven
obsessional
obsessive

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Example Sentences

I couldn't make out exactly what had happened, though I could guess how it started—the two of them talking, kidding around when Mrs. Ramsey came down to the library basement to file some periodicals, an impulsive kiss in the stacks … —Tobias Wolff, Old School, 2003 There was an odd nobility, a knight-errant quality, about Alan—in his willingness to suffer for the sake of life itself, in his tendency to view himself under harsher light than he would turn on others, in his impulsive generosity. —Tracy Kidder, Home Town, 1999 So speaks Maude Bailey, the celibate feminist scholar heroine of A. S. Byatt's fifth novel, as, in an impulsive collusion with a male scholar she scarcely knows, she runs off to Brittany. —Joyce Carol Oates, Vogue, November 1990

She's impulsive and often does things that she later regrets. He needs to learn to control his impulsive behavior. She made an impulsive decision to quit her job. See More

Recent Examples on the Web Large, impulsive purchases could be putting your bank account in danger. —Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2022 That's especially true around the holidays, when people make impulsive purchases, and gift-buying can sometimes trump logic. —Megan Leonhardt, Fortune, 13 Dec. 2021 Don’t initiate anything of importance or make impulsive purchases now. —Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive, 30 Aug. 2021 Taking time to do this will suddenly take you away from making impulsive purchases or trying to keep up with neighbors or friends (the hedonic treadmill). —Juan Carlos Medina, Forbes, 14 June 2021 John Henry and Tom Werner have been impulsive with their baseball operations chiefs over the last decade. —Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Aug. 2022 Instead of laying blame on others, yelling, making impulsive decisions or drafting destructive emails, find ways to put things into a perspective that will enable you to remain calm. —Stuart R. Levine, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022 Broeksmit comes across as a skilled raconteur, but also erratic and impulsive. —Gian M. Volpicelli, WIRED, 17 Oct. 2022 Several of his friends told the Tribune his crime was impulsive, fueled by alcoholism and depression. —Chicago Tribune, 29 Sep. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impulsive. ' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

see impulse entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler

The first known use of impulsive was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near

impulsive

impulsion

impulsive

impulsor

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“Impulsive. ” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impulsive. Accessed 17 Dec. 2022.

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Kids Definition

impulsive

adjective

im·pul·sive im-ˈpəl-siv

: acting or tending to act on impulse

: resulting from a sudden impulse

impulsively adverb

impulsiveness noun

Medical Definition

impulsive

adjective

im·pul·sive im-ˈpəl-siv

: having the power of or actually driving or impelling

: actuated by or prone to act on impulse

impulsive behavior

: acting momentarily

brief impulsive auditory stimuli

impulsively adverb

impulsiveness noun

impulsivity

-ˌpəl-ˈsiv-ət-ē

noun

plural impulsivities

Impulsive Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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British

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[ im-puhl-siv ]

/ ɪmˈpʌl sɪv /

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See synonyms for: impulsive / impulsively / impulsiveness on Thesaurus.com

This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.

adjective

actuated or swayed by emotional or involuntary impulses: an impulsive child.

having the power or effect of impelling; characterized by impulsion: impulsive forces.

inciting to action: the impulsive effects of a revolutionary idea.

Mechanics. (of forces) acting momentarily; not continuous.

OTHER WORDS FOR impulsive

1 rash, quick, hasty.

See synonyms for impulsive on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

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Origin of impulsive

First recorded in 1375–1425 for an earlier sense; 1545–55 for current senses; late Middle English impulsif, from Medieval Latin impulsīvus; see origin at impulse, -ive

synonym study for impulsive

1. See impetuous.

OTHER WORDS FROM impulsive

im·pul·sive·ly, adverbim·pul·siv·i·ty [im-puhl-siv-i-tee], /ɪmˌpʌlˈsɪv ɪ ti/, im·pul·sive·ness, nounnon·im·pul·sive, adjectivenon·im·pul·sive·ly, adverb

un·im·pul·sive, adjectiveun·im·pul·sive·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH impulsive

compulsive, impulsive 2. impetuous, impulsive (see synonym study at impetuous)

Words nearby impulsive

impuissant, impulse, impulse buying, impulse turbine, impulsion, impulsive, impulsivity, impundulu, impunity, impure, impurity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

Words related to impulsive

abrupt, hasty, impetuous, instinctive, offhand, passionate, spontaneous, violent, ad-lib, automatic, careless, devil-may-care, emotional, extemporaneous, flaky, headlong, intuitive, involuntary, mad, precipitate

How to use impulsive in a sentence

Sometimes my best work will be rather spontaneous or impulsive.
Remote Work Is All Gen Z Knows. But Are They Satisfied?|Raisa Bruner|August 16, 2021|Time
What makes his decision seem impulsive and even dangerous is that Unity is still far short of becoming the kind of thoroughly tested and reliable vehicle that would be able to fly passengers on a regular schedule.
Richard Branson's Big Space D*ck Contest with Bezos is Reckless—and Potentially Deadly|Clive Irving|July 2, 2021|The Daily Beast
In my highs, I was drinking compulsively and taking impulsive risks in the mountains as a coping strategy.
We Need to Talk About Mental Health in the Mountains|Drew Petersen|June 30, 2021|Outside Online
Her team uses computer games like this to measure how cautious or impulsive people are.
Search for ‘rewards’ is big driver in remodeling a teen’s brain|Silke Schmidt|April 22, 2021|Science News For Students

It tries to exert self-control by tamping down the limbic system’s impulsive urges.
Teen depression linked to how the brain processes rewards|Alison Pearce Stevens|March 18, 2021|Science News For Students
So, did Opperud make the plan and then get the impulsive Lane to come with him at the last second?
How To Plan A Jailbreak|Seth Ferranti|September 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But Hezbollah has more pressing strategic imperatives today, and Nasrallah is not known as an impulsive leader.
Hezbollah Talks Big but Bows Out of the Gaza War|Jamie Dettmer|July 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Griffith is hardly alone amongst the lovelorn, impulsive, and unfortunately tattooed.
Melanie, Leave Antonio On Your Arm: The Emotional Politics of Tattoos|Lizzie Crocker|June 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As someone who spent time with him in his 2008 campaign put it, he would have been an impulsive, perilous president.
Obama’s All Eisenhower On Russia|Robert Shrum|March 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And while depression often keeps its victims from thinking clearly, the Internet encourages impulsive behavior.

More Shocking Than Online Suicides Are the Crowds Who Clamor to Watch|Caitlin Dickson|December 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In his childlike, impulsive fashion he had not thought of the future when he adopted Jean.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
Eloquent in speech, warm-hearted and impulsive, he found it difficult to resist a joke, even at the expense of his friend.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
I made an impulsive forward movement, but Dr. Silence instantly dragged me back.
Three More John Silence Stories|Algernon Blackwood
This habit is an outcome of our frank, impulsive character; but the Scotch would be slow in appreciating it.
Friend Mac Donald|Max O'Rell
In their habits they resembled children, being sensitive and impulsive, fond of play, and very quick in their motions.
Man And His Ancestor|Charles Morris

British Dictionary definitions for impulsive

impulsive

/ (ɪmˈpʌlsɪv) /

adjective

characterized by actions based on sudden desires, whims, or inclinations rather than careful thoughtan impulsive man

based on emotional impulses or whims; spontaneousan impulsive kiss

forceful, inciting, or impelling

(of physical forces) acting for a short time; not continuous

(of a sound) brief, loud, and having a wide frequency range

Derived forms of impulsive

impulsively, adverbimpulsiveness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Impulsive person: what does it mean and how to understand

To decide right here and now is about them, about impulsive people. They give an instant reaction to everything and cannot otherwise. Psychologist-constellation Yulia Khadartseva told what is the danger of impulsiveness, as well as how to protect yourself from too hasty actions.

nine0004 Shot from the film "Shopaholic"

Term
The most impulsive
Types
Signs
Causes
Ways to fight

We all behave differently: for some it is important to evaluate each step, act measuredly, slowly, others can make decisions quickly. But such decisions are not always balanced.

Impulsivity in psychology implies a lightning-fast reaction to what is happening. An impulsive person is one who reacts very quickly to changes, often without thinking about their own actions. nine0003

We are talking about an increased level of emotions, as well as an off-scale speed of reactions to surrounding events. Such a person cannot control himself at all. He is very clearly manifested outside, sometimes illogical in his judgments, expresses everything from the position of "how it goes."

Impulsive people talk actively, very loudly. They act proactively without assessing the strategy of what is happening. As a result, this can lead to unpredictable consequences.

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“Did I turn off the iron?!” What is obsessive-compulsive disorder and how to recognize it

This feature is especially pronounced in adolescents. Due to changes in the hormonal background, as well as the formation of personality, they tend to react sharply and vividly to everything that happens in life. nine0003

They can be overly excitable, but this usually goes away with age. If we talk about impulsivity in adults, then here we can deal with neuroses. It can also be the result of stress, overwork, as well as other diseases.

It is believed that this feature of behavior is more characteristic of women than men. This is so: by nature we are more emotional, we are not always able to control our experiences. It is more difficult for us to assess the consequences of our actions.

Although it is not worth generalizing: there are many ladies in the world who, with their logical thinking, will give odds to any man. The impulsiveness of a woman declines after the birth of a child: she is replaced by responsibility and prudence.

A still from the movie "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"

She manifests herself in different ways. Depending on its brightness, it either causes minor inconvenience to a person, or turns into a global problem - both for himself and for those close to him. nine0003

Impulsive behavior can be mild, barely noticeable, when a person tends to make too quick decisions, up to a complete loss of control, the development of deviant behavior. For example, gambling or manifestations of fetishism, as well as eating disorders.

An impulsive person and society: how communication is built This behavior has disadvantages. One of them is the problems with building eco-friendly communication. Impulsive people very often answer questions without listening to the interlocutor, without understanding the essence of what was said. This significantly affects the impression they create about themselves. nine0003

They like to interfere in other people's discussions, even if this particular conversation has nothing to do with them at all. And such individuals are also in conflict, often find themselves embroiled in emotional troubles.

Impulsive people have little to no patience, which can irritate those around them: they rush everyone and everything. Such people are characterized by a quick, sharp reaction that they show without even understanding the process. They do not have such qualities as endurance, strategy, the ability to be appropriate. nine0003

They try to take part in everything. In this way, they confirm the opinion about themselves as about a person who is “always too much”.

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In order to “diagnose” this feature of behavior in yourself, be sure to analyze how characteristic you are of the following traits:

you are often under stress, suffer from a neurotic disorder; nine0029

wind up with half a turn with or without;

you cannot calm yourself down;

your mood often or quickly changes - from light melancholy to fierce aggression;

you feel satisfaction after an impulsive act.

A shot from the film "Paris, I love you"

Everything comes from childhood, and this too. It is believed that the explosive character, as well as overly emotional behavior, is a consequence of the strict prohibitions on the part of the parents that the child was subjected to. Perhaps he was too restrained, not allowed to express himself actively in society. nine0003

They molded him into a well-mannered and balanced person in the hope that he would outgrow all his emotions. But, as they say, what has grown has grown.

If you often catch yourself in thoughtless behavior, this indicates a high level of emotional anguish. It is important to realize this, not to ignore the problem. You also need to adequately assess your condition and accept the fact that it can destroy a long-term relationship.

It not only impairs communication, but also completely blocks your path to contact with other people. As a rule, impulsive people are avoided. Therefore, if you do not want to become an outcast, be sure to work on this feature of your behavior. nine0003

1. Restore the emotional background

It is very important that you stay in a harmonious state that will keep you from rash decisions. To do this, it is imperative to lead a healthy lifestyle, watch soothing films, listen to similar music, and have calm, measured loads. Practice meditation to normalize your inner state.

2. Unload impulsiveness

If you feel a heavy emotional burden, get rid of it with the help of intense sports activities. nine0003

3. Get rid of irritants

An impulsive person has reference points in his base that excite him. It is very important to identify these points and then get rid of them.

4. Give up gadgets

They provoke nervous tension. Therefore, follow the simple rule "an evening without a smartphone." Set the "do not disturb after 21 o'clock" mode in advance, and then enjoy a measured pastime.

5. Develop healthy selfishness

Very often we become impulsive because of the multitasking that others put on us. This is especially true for women: the whole house rests on us, as well as work, family affairs, and taking care of children. How can you not become impulsive?! If you recognize yourself, then be sure to start building personal boundaries. nine0003

First, outline the responsibilities that lie with you and your spouse. Second, start making time for yourself. Thirdly, ask your loved ones to be more independent, not to burden you with unnecessary worries. Learn to periodically say “No” to others, and start saying “Yes” to yourself.

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Understand what really provokes your impulsiveness, especially when it comes to love affairs. Perhaps behind the temper is a banal lack of attention or the fear of losing a loved one. Be sure to talk with your partner about your true desires - you'll see, the problem will be removed as if by hand.

The global task of an impulsive person is to bring himself to harmony, peace, happiness over and over again. Then communication with other people will be built in a healthier way. nine0003

If you cannot cope with the problem on your own, seek help from a professional psychologist or psychotherapist. The specialist will assess the situation and be able to get to the source of the problem, as well as select an individual therapy plan. Remember, impulsivity is not a diagnosis, but a behavioral feature that occurs in response to what is going on inside and outside of you.

It can manifest itself situationally or next to a certain person as a way of defense or attack. It flares up like a match, and can go out just as quickly with the right approach. Therefore, monitor your condition, analyze the emotional background, think several times before deciding to take a certain action. nine0003

Author

Julia Khadartseva

Expert in the field of consciousness, psychologist-constellation. Candidate of Psychological Sciences.

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what it is, examples of manifestations, causes

Everyone has had to deal with impulsive people in life. Their actions are simply shocking. If you ask such a person what his motives were, you won’t get an intelligible answer. He can only say that he himself did not understand what he had done and why.

What is impulsivity?

Impulsivity is a specific character trait that implies a tendency to sharply and thoughtlessly react to external circumstances and life situations, lack of proper control over the actions taken. nine0003

Most often, an impulsive person cannot give a real assessment of his actions, repents because of them in the future. Impulsive individuals lack emotional restraint, patience. They are characterized by irritability. Often they behave irresponsibly, frivolously, hold a grudge.

Taking into account the level of manifestation, it is customary to single out different impulsiveness. It can be a minor problem for a person or make life hell for him and others. Impulsive behavior can range from a small display of discontent, haste in making decisions, a quick return of control over oneself to manifestations of impulsive emotions that bring only pain. nine0003

The opposite of impulsivity is self-control. It implies the ability to restrain momentary impulses, analyze the results of committed actions, take into account personal interests and judgments of people around. This is the main difference between impulsiveness and decisiveness. A person endowed with determination does his actions confidently, understanding in advance their result. An impulsive individual does things spontaneously. He does not think about their consequences.

Examples of impulsivity

In everyday life, impulsivity is most often manifested as follows:

lack of ability to control emotions;
excessive talkativeness;
lack of deliberation in actions, creation of serious financial and other problems;
providing an answer without listening to the question;
instant action without thinking;
desire to interfere in other people's affairs, conversations;
lack of patience;

Causes of impulsivity

Scientists have identified the biological mechanisms of impulsivity. This quality is strongly dependent on the activity of dopamine , which transmits signals to nerve cells. Behavior at the impulse level implies the production of a large amount of dopamine in the midbrain, which leads to a change in the activity of the frontal lobes that affect programming, checking activity. As a result, the process of assessing the situation, developing a forecast of the consequences is reduced, absent. nine0003

If we specify the reasons for the emergence of impulsivity, we can distinguish the following:

Adolescence. It is characterized by puberty, the emotional state is dependent on hormonal imbalance: the main features of adolescents are excitability, irritability, anger, despair. Along with physiological changes, a crisis begins, which implies a conflict between desires and the social situation that has developed around a teenager. The basis of impulsive actions is considered to be affective incontinence. nine0029
Specific character. In some cases, impulsivity is a personality trait. Its basis is the dynamism of the processes of higher nervous activity inherent in sanguine and choleric people. Fixation of impulsive traits is carried out during the educational process, adaptation to society. Such people are characterized by irascibility, lack of self-control, a desire to perform actions devoid of goals. Very often their motive is minute desires, needs. They misjudge the negative consequences of their own actions. nine0029
Stimulus-rich environment. Surroundings cause uncontrollable impulses. An example is a large store with a wide range of products, advertising, musical accompaniment. In such an environment, a person who buys impulsively will buy products spontaneously.
Excitable psychopathy. A person with this disorder is considered explosive, unrestrained, conflicted. An explosive psychopath is characterized by a low degree of self-control, unreasonable aggressiveness towards himself and other people. Impulsivity increases the danger of self-harm, drug and alcohol abuse. nine0029

Negative consequences of impulsivity

An individual who commits impulsive actions is not able to control his behavior in many cases. He may seem harmless, and his actions - stupid. But they can cause various troubles. Under the influence of strong emotions , such a person can even harm others. If you have a friend who is characterized by impulsiveness, you need to be able to regulate his behavior.

If serious problems arise due to impulsivity that cannot be controlled by a person, it is recommended to use specialized help. Psychologists and psychotherapists will analyze the state of the individual, they will be able to specify the problem with the help of questionnaires and tests. Every individual needs to deal with their impulsiveness. This will allow her to improve relations with society, her standard of living. Based on the causes that cause impulsivity, medical specialists will be able to draw up an individual treatment method for the patient. nine0003

Prevention of impulsivity

If the first signs of impulsivity are not promptly addressed, it can very quickly turn into a permanent character trait , worsen relations with other people who will not be interested in the cause of its occurrence, but will only notice the person's unpleasant behavior.

A complex of means is provided for the prevention of impulsivity. It can be relieving nervous tension, confronting stressful situations: meditation, yoga, SPA treatments, massage, pleasant hobbies, sports, swimming pool, even shopping. Any of these methods will help restore a harmonious emotional state, save you from releasing the genie of impulsiveness. nine0003

Impulsivity can arise even due to lack of time: incessant requests from relatives, tasks and orders from superiors, children who constantly demand attention. Not everyone is able to devote their time to this. Even a smart woman can turn into a nervous monkey who does not have time to look at herself in the mirror. When in this mode to find time to sit down and analyze your affairs? Healthy selfishness can be the solution : relatives should be told in a calm tone that they are able to buy a new dog leash in the store on their own. Yes, it’s impossible to argue strongly with the authorities, but a competent and adequate leader will always listen to real arguments and take them into account in the future. For children, you can find an interesting activity that will help distract them for a few hours. nine0003

The main thing is to figure out what is causing the problem. If it is eliminated, it will turn out to calm the emotional background, make it more balanced. After that, it will immediately be possible to achieve rationality in thoughts and actions.

Conclusion

It is always important to understand that impulsivity cannot be called a disease, a critical diagnosis.

Learn more

What is impulsive mean

Impulsive Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on

oblivion

Impulsive Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

OTHER WORDS FOR impulsive

Origin of impulsive

synonym study for impulsive

OTHER WORDS FROM impulsive

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH impulsive

Words nearby impulsive

Words related to impulsive

How to use impulsive in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for impulsive

Derived forms of impulsive

Impulsive person: what does it mean and how to understand

1. Restore the emotional background

2. Unload impulsiveness

3. Get rid of irritants

4. Give up gadgets

5. Develop healthy selfishness

what it is, examples of manifestations, causes

What is impulsivity?

Examples of impulsivity

Causes of impulsivity

Negative consequences of impulsivity

Conclusion