adjective

impetuous

im-PECH-oo-us/ɪmˈpetʃuəs/

Acting quickly without enough thought or care.

The impetuous woman darts after her scarf into the approaching cyclist's path.

A young woman impulsively darts off a curb after her windblown scarf, directly into the path of an approaching cyclist, while an older companion urgently reaches to stop her.

Etymology

imLatininto, upon

+petuLatinaim for, rush at

+ousLatinfull of

The pieces evoke rushing upon something, through the related noun meaning “attack” or “impulse.” The adjective’s forceful rush becomes a description of someone acting before thought or caution can intervene.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain108:05

in his high-handed impetuous fashion he set all caution and discretion at Defiance the Scandal became notorious

1920s Fiction: Arthur Conan Doyle - Tales of Terror (Audiobook)

More examples

He is too impetuous to pause and read the contract.
Buying a car on a whim is an impetuous move.
She regrets her impetuous reply as soon as she sends it.

Forms

impetuous

impetuously adverb — Quickly and without enough thought or care.

impetuousness noun — The tendency to act without careful thought.

Similar words

impulsive: Emphasizes acting on sudden urges rather than deliberate plans.
rash: Stresses poor judgment and disregard for risks or consequences.
reckless: Suggests greater disregard for danger or harm to others.