impact

[ noun im-pakt; verb im-pakt ]

noun

1. the striking of one thing against another; forceful contact; collision:

   The impact of the colliding cars broke the windshield.

2. an impinging:

   the impact of light on the eye.

3. influence; effect:

   the impact of Einstein on modern physics.

4. an impacting; forcible impinging:

   the tremendous impact of the shot.

5. the force exerted by a new idea, concept, technology, or ideology:

   the impact of the industrial revolution.

verb (used with object)

1. to drive or press closely or firmly into something; pack in.
2. to fill up; congest; throng:

   A vast crowd impacted St. Peter's Square.

3. to collide with; strike forcefully:

   a rocket designed to impact the planet Mars.

4. to have an impact or effect on; influence; alter:

   The decision may impact your whole career. The auto industry will be impacted by the new labor agreements.

verb (used without object)

1. to have impact or make contact forcefully:

   The ball impacted against the bat with a loud noise.

2. to have an impact or effect:

   Increased demand will impact on sales.

impact

noun

1. the act of one body, object, etc, striking another; collision
2. the force with which one thing hits another or with which two objects collide
3. the impression made by an idea, cultural movement, social group, etc

   the impact of the Renaissance on Medieval Europe

verb

1. to drive or press (an object) firmly into (another object, thing, etc) or (of two objects) to be driven or pressed firmly together
2. to have an impact or strong effect (on)

Usage Note

The verb impact has developed the transitive sense “to have an impact or effect on” ( The structured reading program has done more to impact the elementary schools than any other single factor ) and the intransitive sense “to have an impact or effect” ( The work done at the computer center will impact on the economy of Illinois and the nation ). Although recent, the new uses are entirely standard and most likely to occur in formal speech and writing. impactful.

Derived Forms

• imˈpaction, noun

Other Words From

• non·impact noun adjective
• post·impact adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of impact¹

First recorded in 1775–85; (noun and v.) back formation from impacted

Word History and Origins

Origin of impact¹

C18: from Latin impactus pushed against, fastened on, from impingere to thrust at, from pangere to drive in

Related Words

• brunt
• burden
• impression
• influence
• meaning
• repercussion
• significance