Impetus

/ˈɪm.pɪ.təs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A force or impulse that brings about movement or action.

The new policy served as an impetus for the company to innovate.

An influential factor that encourages or promotes a particular action or development.

The economic crisis provided the impetus for urgent reform in government programs.

Motive or drive behind an action or event.

Her passion for social justice was the impetus for her career in law.

From Latin 'impetus', meaning 'attack, impulse'.

give impetus to

To provide motivation or force to start or enhance something.

lose impetus

To lose momentum or drive in an action or process.

provide impetus

To furnish or supply the necessary motivation for a task or action.

momentum

The quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity.

catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.