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.

Lee and his staff almost with involuntary impulse returned the salute in like fashion.

From The Shades of the Wilderness A Story of Lee's Great Stand by Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander)

The mate was startled, and his right hand moved, as if by involuntary impulse, toward the handle of a pistol.

From The Madman and the Pirate by Twidle, Arthur

His own troops seemed to take the field with faintness and reluctance; but, in the heat of the battle, the Prætorian guards, almost by an involuntary impulse, asserted the superiority of their valor and discipline.

From History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — Volume 1 by Milman, Henry Hart

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

Yes No 75   76 Might an involuntary impulse impel one to be malicious?

From Stanford Achievement Test, Ed. 1922 Advanced Examination, Form A, for Grades 4-8 by Kelley, Truman Lee