impetuous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation; (`brainish' is archaic)
    brainish; tearaway; impulsive; madcap; hotheaded.
    • a hotheaded decision
    • liable to such impulsive acts as hugging strangers
    • an impetuous display of spending and gambling
    • madcap escapades
  2. adjective satellite marked by violent force
    • impetuous heaving waves

WordNet

Im*pet"u*ous adjective
Etymology
F. impetueux, L. impetuosus. See Impetus.
Definitions
  1. Rushing with force and violence; moving with impetus; furious; forcible; violent; as, an impetuous wind; an impetuous torrent.
    Went pouring forward with impetuous speed. Byron.
  2. Vehement in feeling; hasty; passionate; violent; as, a man of impetuous temper.
    The people, on their holidays, Impetuous, insolent, unquenchable. Milton.
    Syn. -- Forcible; rapid; hasty; precipitate; furious; boisterous; violent; raging; fierce; passionate. -- Im*pet"u*ous*ly, adv. -- Im*pet"u*ous*ness, n.

Webster 1913