Impetus
/ˈɪm.pə.təs/noun
The force or momentum that drives something forward.
Did you know?In Classical Latin, impetus could describe a physical charge, an assault, or a powerful emotional surge, so the word has always carried the feeling of being seized by force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pet-
“to fall, rush, fly, or seek to reach”
Latin
Latin
impetere
“to attack, rush upon, or set upon”
Latin
Latin
impetus
“a rushing at, assault, onset; also force or momentum”
Middle English
English
impetus
“a driving force or attack”
Modern English
English
impetus
“the force or energy that causes something to begin or continue”