1.
impulse; urge
A sudden, strong desire or urge to act without thinking about the consequences.
衝動を抑える。
To suppress an impulse.
衝動買いしてしまった。
I ended up making an impulse purchase.
突然、泣きたいという衝動に駆られた。
I was suddenly seized by an impulse to cry.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 衝動を抑える - to suppress an impulse
- 衝動に駆られる - to be seized by an impulse
- 衝動に負ける - to give in to an impulse
- 衝動買い - impulse buying
- 衝動的 - impulsive
USAGE NOTES:
Often used in compound expressions:
- 衝動買い - impulse purchase (very common expression)
- 衝動殺人 - impulsive killing (legal term)
The adjectival form 衝動的（な） means "impulsive."