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View synonyms for

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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.
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Derived Forms

  • ˈ貹پDz, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ԴDz·p noun adjective
  • Dz·p adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of impact1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

"In the short term, some Chinese exporters will be greatly impacted," says Prof Zhang.

From

From hospitals and care homes to food and water supplies, this could leave the UK vulnerable to serious economic and health impacts in the decades ahead, the CCC warns.

From

“Losing this vital source of information will ultimately harm our nation’s ability to address the impacts of climate change.”

From

Since becoming a volunteer at the farm, Steffan Thomas, 24, said the experience had made a "huge impact on my mental health".

From

SSE's own environmental impact assessment says it expects more than 31,000 bird collisions over the projected 35-year lifespan of the development.

From

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imp.impact adhesive