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.
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 Henry Hart Milman
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 W. Heimburg
The young woman raised her eyes slowly; they met his, and as if following an involuntary impulse, held out both hands to him-- "I thank you, Hugo, farewell!"
From Riven Bonds. Vol. I. A Novel, in Two Volumes by E. Werner
After watching him for some time, Nigel under an almost involuntary impulse shouted "Hullo!"
From Blown to Bits or, The Lonely Man of Rakata by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
Rivers yesterday was throwing flowers at me and Lucy, in play, as we were walking in the garden; I catched a wallflower, and, by an involuntary impulse, kissed it, and placed it in my bosom.
From The History of Emily Montague by Frances Brooke
