View synonyms for

impetus

[im-pi-tuhs]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural

impetuses

a moving force; impulse; stimulus.
The grant for building the opera house gave impetus to the city's cultural life.
Synonyms: , ,
(broadly) the momentum of a moving body, especially with reference to the cause of motion.

impetus

/ ˈɪ��ɪ��ə�� /

noun

an impelling movement or force; incentive or impulse; stimulus
physics the force that sets a body in motion or that tends to resist changes in a body's motion

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of impetus¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin: “an attack,” literally, “a rushing into,” perhaps by haplology from unattested impetitus (though the expected form would be unattested ��ī�ٳܲ�; appetite ), equivalent to ��ī-, variant stem of impetere “to attack” ( im- im- ¹ + petere “to make for, assault”) + -tus suffix of verb action

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of impetus¹

C17: from Latin: attack, from impetere to assail, from _im- (in) + petere to make for, seek out

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The immediate and obvious impetus for this trend is Donald Trump living the narcissist's dream of being an inescapable presence for the past decade.

From

Another Labour source suggests the threat from Nigel Farage has actually forced the government to get moving, visibly, and decisively: "Reform gives us the impetus to actually shake this stuff down."

From

The latter, in particular, may have been given added impetus by President Trump's trade hostility.

From

US President Donald Trump's tariff campaign has focused minds in other countries on how to respond, and increased the impetus to strike trade deals.

From

In any event, the PM will use the impetus of external threat to try to transform the Canadian economy.

From

Related Words

catalyst��
impulse��
incentive��
momentum��
motivation��
stimulant��

impetuous impf.

Browse