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.

She glanced proudly at him once more, as by an involuntary impulse, and with a swelling breast rejoined, 'If what you say be true, he takes much needless trouble, sir, to compass his design.

From Barnaby Rudge: a tale of the Riots of 'eighty by Dickens, Charles

Mary Taylor stirred in her seat under an involuntary impulse to help, but Cresswell touched the horse.

From The Quest of the Silver Fleece A Novel by Du Bois, W. E. B. (William Edward Burghardt)

I had to smile, and yet tears came suddenly into my eyes, and yielding to an involuntary impulse, I asked: 'Anna Maria, do you really believe that Klaus will send Susanna away.'

From A Sister's Love A Novel by Heimburg, W.

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