What does the word impulse mean?

Usage examples for impulse

  1. He never had a mean thought; of course we're all full of mean thoughts, and Dan is too; but his first impulse is always generous and sweet, and at his age people act a great deal from impulse. – April Hopes by William Dean Howells Last Updated: February 27, 2009
  2. Everything with him was impulse and enthusiasm. – The Bertrams by Anthony Trollope
  3. Why may not the impulse pass between men and the lower animals, or between the lower animals themselves? – Occultism and Common-Sense by Beckles Willson