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.

For a long time, whenever a man approached her, her first involuntary impulse was to draw back suddenly, trembling and nervous, like a terrified, bewildered beast, looking about for means of flight.

From Germinie Lacerteux by Goncourt, Jules de

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

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

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)