Acting impulsively during a time of intense emotion or excitement, without careful thought or consideration. Doing something spontaneous when feelings are running high.
This phrase draws from the metaphor of heat representing intense emotion, a concept dating back to ancient times. The specific phrase 'heat of the moment' emerged in the 18th century, building on earlier expressions like 'heat of passion' used in legal contexts to describe temporary emotional states that might mitigate criminal responsibility.
Neuroscience has actually validated this phrase - during intense emotional states, the amygdala can override the prefrontal cortex, literally making us less capable of rational decision-making. The 'heat' metaphor is surprisingly accurate since emotional arousal does increase body temperature and stress hormones.
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