Impulse

n. [Lat. impulsus, It. & Sp. impulso. See IMPEL.]

1Sense 1. The act of impelling, or driving onward with sudden force; impulsion; the action of a force so as to produce motion suddenly, or without appreciable lapse of time.

2Sense 2. The effect of an impelling force; motion produced by the sudden or momentary action of a force.

3Sense 3. Sudden motion exciting to action; hasty inclination; influence acting unexpectedly or with momentary force; impression; instigation.

These were my natural impulses for the undertaking. Dryden.

Meantime, by Jove's impulse, Mezentius, armed, Succeeded Turnus. Dryden.

v. t. To impel; to incite. [Obs. or poet.] Pope.