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Definition of impetus

impetus

/ˈɪm.pə.təs/
im · pe · tus
Adverb:impetuously
•
Plural:impetuses
•
Adjective:impetuous
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impetus Lexical Profile

impetus Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Something that makes a process or activity happen or happen more quickly; a driving force or stimulus.

Example

"The discovery of new archival evidence provided fresh impetus for the historical investigation."

2

The force or energy with which a body moves and overcomes resistance.

Example

"The heavy boulder gathered impetus as it rolled down the steep mountain slope."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

impetuous
impetuously
impetuousness
impetus
impinge
impious
impish

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century directly from Latin impetus ('an attack, assault, or rapid motion'), derived from the verb impetere ('to rush upon or assail'), combining in- ('upon, towards') and petere ('to seek or aim at').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Impetus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/impetus
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