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 Milman, Henry Hart

Yes No 75   76 Might an involuntary impulse impel one to be malicious?

From Stanford Achievement Test, Ed. 1922 Advanced Examination, Form A, for Grades 4-8 by Kelley, Truman Lee

Shuddering, I dashed myself against the wall, and by the same involuntary impulse, turned my face backward to examine the mysterious monitor.

From Wieland: or, the Transformation, an American Tale by Brown, Charles Brockden

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 Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

As they approached the mainland, all, as if by involuntary impulse, looked back at the haunted island, looming darkly in the night.

From The Forest Runners A Story of the Great War Trail in Early Kentucky by Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander)