involuntary impulse
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The young woman raised her eyes slowly; they met his, and as if following an involuntary impulse, held out both hands to him-- "I thank you, Hugo, farewell!"
From Riven Bonds. Vol. I. A Novel, in Two Volumes by Werner, E.
Nor can any one be surprised or scandalized, if I acknowledge my weakness in stating that I could not resist an involuntary impulse to laugh at them "in my sleeve."
From Auricular Confession and Popish Nunneries Volumes I. and II., Complete by Hogan, William
Didst thou ever before hear of a man uttering solemn things by an involuntary impulse, in defiance of premeditation, and of all his proud schemes?
From Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 3 by Richardson, Samuel
For a long time, whenever a man approached her, her first involuntary impulse was to draw back suddenly, trembling and nervous, like a terrified, bewildered beast, looking about for means of flight.
From Germinie Lacerteux by Goncourt, Jules de
These dispositions fluctuate by reason of the involuntary impulse which our organs every instant receive, on the part of an infinity of causes, either exterior to ourselves, or else contained within our own frame.
From The System of Nature, Volume 2 by Holbach, Paul Henri Thiry, baron d'
