impetus

//ˈɪm.pɪ.təs//
C1Frequency Level 11Formal
Visual representation of impetus

Noun

impetusSingular
impetusesPlural
1

The force or energy with which a body moves; momentum.

The ball gained impetus as it rolled down the hill.

2

Something that encourages a process or activity to develop more quickly; a driving force or stimulus.

The new policy gave fresh impetus to economic reform.