impetus
Push to act
Impetus is the force or energy that drives something forward.
A project needs an initial impetus to get started; a movement gains impetus as it attracts supporters.
The word often describes what sparked action: The scandal provided the impetus for reform.
Impetus suggests momentum—once something has it, continuation feels natural.
What initiates action
- sparkTiny fiery particle
- stimulusWhat prompts a reaction
- promptIncite to action
- provocationAct that triggers response
incitement · instigation · ignition · activation · precipitant · instigator · initiator · kickstart
Product of mass, velocity
- massQuantity of matter
- velocityDirected rate of motion
- forceStrength or compulsion
- NewtonFamous scientific surname
collision · transfer · kinetic · inertia · thrust · propulsion · mechanics · dynamics
Operate a vehicle
- ambitionDesire for achievement
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- enthusiasmIntense eager enjoyment
- energyPower to do work
initiative · aspiration · passion · zeal · vigor · purpose · intention · goal
trigger
What initiates action
provocation · incitement · instigation · ignition · activation · precipitant · instigator · initiator · kickstart · springboard
momentum
Product of mass, velocity
Newton · collision · transfer · kinetic · inertia · thrust · propulsion · mechanics · dynamics · motion
drive
Operate a vehicle
- ambitionDesire for achievement
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- enthusiasmIntense eager enjoyment
energy · initiative · aspiration · passion · zeal · vigor · purpose · intention · goal · aim
force
Strength or compulsion
- thrustForceful forward motion
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
- velocityDirected rate of motion
acceleration · motion · energy · power · surge · drive · push · inertia · kinetic · dynamics
- motivationmotivation, drive, motivate, inspire, encouragement
- motivatorsmotivator, rewards, ambition, incentive, incentives
- promptsprompt, prompts, prompting, cue, hint
- activatorscatalyst, trigger, initiator, stimulus, activator
- incitementinciting, instigating, provoking, incitement, instigation
- life triggerstrigger, catalyst, spark, turning point, inciting incident
impetusdisincentive
Factor discouraging action
deterrent · hindrance · impediment · obstacle · block
impetusinertia
Resistance to altered motion
stasis · resistance · friction · drag · stillness
impetusinertia
Resistance to altered motion
stasis · stagnation · stillness · immobility · standstill