DictionaryAI

impetus

noun
IM-puh-tuhs/ˈɪm.pə.təs/

2 meanings of impetus

Practice

  1. 1
    noununcountable
    The force a moving thing has that keeps it going, or anything that pushes something on.

    The ball rolled on with its own impetus after it left his hand.

    Winning her first race gave her the impetus to train even harder.

    UsageSay something gave impetus to a plan.

    Similarmomentum, force

Less common meaning

  1. 2
    noun
    A medieval idea about the force that keeps a thrown object moving, an early step toward the idea of momentum.

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Origin

It comes from a Latin word meaning “a rushing attack”.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact

  • Impetus comes from Latin impetus, meaning a rushing upon or attack. en.wiktionary.org