impetus

The definition of impetus is the force that makes something happen or that makes a body move.

(noun)

If someone calls you stupid and this prompts you to go back to college, this comment was an example of theimpetus you needed to go back to college.

See impetus in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. impetuses

the force with which a body moves against resistance, resulting from its mass and the velocity at which it is set in motion
anything that stimulates activity; driving force or motive; incentive; impulse

Origin: L < impetere, to rush upon < in-, in + petere, to rush at: see feather

See impetus in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. im·pe·tus·es

An impelling force; an impulse.
The force or energy associated with a moving body.
a. Something that incites; a stimulus.
b. Increased activity in response to a stimulus: The approaching deadline gave impetus to the investigation.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English impetous

Origin: , from Latin impetus

Origin: , from impetere, to attack

Origin: : in-, against; see in-²

Origin: + petere, to go towards, seek; see pet- in Indo-European roots

Learn more about impetus

impetus synonyms

impetus in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box