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.

They did not walk towards it with the light brisk step of men who had hopes of success; but rather mechanically, as if yielding to a sort of involuntary impulse.

From The Plant Hunters Adventures Among the Himalaya Mountains by Reid, Mayne

Well, but what was the result of this involuntary impulse on my part?—Wouldst thou not think; I was taken at my offer?—An offer so solemnly made, and on one knee too?

From Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 3 by Richardson, Samuel

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'

Rivers yesterday was throwing flowers at me and Lucy, in play, as we were walking in the garden; I catched a wallflower, and, by an involuntary impulse, kissed it, and placed it in my bosom.

From The History of Emily Montague by Brooke, Frances

Shuddering, I dashed myself against the wall, and by the same involuntary impulse, turned my face backward to examine the mysterious monitor.

From Wieland: or, the Transformation, an American Tale by Brown, Charles Brockden