10 uses
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Definition
impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) — often with an unfortunate consequence
- The first was Teucer's; with impetuous force He shot; but vow'd not to the Archer-King Of firstling lambs a solemn hecatomb.2.23 — Volume 2 Book 23 (94% in)
- ...or Greece he mingled in the fight: Hither and thither o'er the plain he rush'd, Like to a wintry stream, that brimming o'er Breaks down its barriers in its rapid course; Nor well-built bridge can stem the flood, nor fence guards the fertile fields, as down it pours Its sudden torrent, swoll'n with rain from Heav'n, And many a goodly work of man destroys: So back were borne before Tydides' might The serried ranks of Troy, nor dar'd await, Despite their numbers, his impetuous charge.1.5 — Volume 1 Book 5 (11% in)
- ...the yoke, and said: "Little like Tydeus' self is Tydeus' son: Low was his stature, but his spirit was high: And ev'n when I from combat rashly wag'd Would fain have kept him back, what time in Thebes He found himself, an envoy and alone, Without support, among the Thebans all, I counsell'd him in peace to share the feast: But by his own impetuous courage led, He challenged all the Thebans to contend With him in wrestling, and o'erthrew them all With ease; so mighty was the aid I gave.1.5 — Volume 1 Book 5 (87% in)
- As when amid a densely timber'd wood Light the devouring flames, by eddying winds Hither and thither borne, fast falls the copse Prostrate beneath the fire's impetuous course; So thickly fell the flying Trojans' heads Beneath the might of Agamemnon's arm; And here and there, athwart the pass of war, Was many an empty car at random whirl'd By strong-neck'd steeds, of guiding hands bereft; Stretch'd on the plain they lay, more welcome sight To carrion birds than to their widow'd wives.2.11 — Volume 2 Book 11 (18% in)
- ...he kept, where first the serried ranks Of Greeks he broke, and storm'd the wall and gates; There beach'd beside the hoary sea, the ships Of Ajax and Protesilaus lay; There had the wall been lowest built; and there Were gather'd in defence the chiefest all, Horses and men: the stout Boeotians there, Join'd to th' Ionians with their flowing robes, Loerians, and Phthians, and Epeians proud, Could scarce protect their ships; nor could repel Th' impetuous fire of godlike Hector's charge.2.13 — Volume 2 Book 13 (80% in)
- Onward they dash'd, impetuous as the rush Of the fierce whirlwind, which with lightning charg'd, From Father Jove sweeps downward o'er the plain: As with loud roar it mingles with the sea, The many-dashing ocean's billows boil, Upheaving, foam-white-crested, wave on wave; So, rank on rank, the Trojans, closely mass'd, In arms all glitt'ring, with their chiefs advanc'd; Hector, the son of Priam, led them on, In combat terrible as blood-stain'd Mars: Before his breast his shield's broad...2.13 — Volume 2 Book 13 (92% in)
- Then from the throne of Jove had heavier wrath And deeper vengeance on th' Immortals fall'n, But Pallas, in alarm for all the Gods, Quitting in haste the throne whereon she sat, Sprang past the vestibule, and from his head The helmet lifted, from his arm the shield; Took from his sturdy hand, and rear'd upright, The brazen spear; then with reproachful words She thus assail'd th' impetuous God of War; "Frantic, and passion-maddened, thou art lost!2.15 — Volume 2 Book 15 (17% in)
- Thus saying, to his seat again she forc'd Th' impetuous Mars: meanwhile, without the house, Juno, by Jove's command, Apollo call'd, And Iris, messenger from God to God; And thus to both her winged words address'd: "Jove bids you with all speed to Ida haste; And when, arriv'd, before his face ye stand, Whate'er he orders, that observe and do."2.15 — Volume 2 Book 15 (19% in)
- His proud, impetuous spirit will spurn the plain, Where Greeks and Trojans oft in warlike strife Their balanc'd strength exert; if he come forth, Our fight will be to guard our homes and wives.2.18 — Volume 2 Book 18 (39% in)
- Three times he shook it with impetuous force, Three times relax'd his grasp; a fourth attempt He made to bend and break the sturdy shaft; But him, preventing, Peleus' godlike son With deadly stroke across the belly smote, And gush'd his bowels forth; upon the ground Gasping he lay, and darkness seal'd his eyes.2.21 — Volume 2 Book 21 (27% in)
There are no more uses of "impetuous" in The Iliad by Homer - (translated by: Edward).
Typical Usage
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