impetus
nounAn impelling force; an impulse.
nounThe force or energy associated with a moving body.
nounSomething that incites; a stimulus.
nounIncreased activity in response to a stimulus.
nounEnergy of motion; the power with which a moving body tends to maintain its velocity and overcome resistance: as, the impetus of a cannon-ball; hence, figuratively, impulse; impulsion; stimulus.
nounIn gunnery, the altitude due to the first force of projection, or the space through which a body must fall to acquire a velocity equal to that with which a ball is discharged from a piece.
nounThe sudden force of passion.
nounA property possessed by a moving body in virtue of its weight and its motion; the force with which any body is driven or impelled; momentum.
nounFig.: Impulse; incentive; stimulus; vigor; force.