impetus

An impelling force; an impulse.

The force or energy associated with a moving body.

Something that incites; a stimulus.

Increased activity in response to a stimulus.

Energy 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.

In 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.

The sudden force of passion.

A 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.

Fig.: Impulse; incentive; stimulus; vigor; force.