IMPACT Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

impact

[im-pakt, im-pakt]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the striking of one thing against another; forceful contact; collision.
The impact of the colliding cars broke the windshield.
an impinging.
the impact of light on the eye.
influence; effect.
the impact of Einstein on modern physics.
an impacting; forcible impinging.
the tremendous impact of the shot.
the force exerted by a new idea, concept, technology, or ideology.
the impact of the industrial revolution.

verb (used with object)

to drive or press closely or firmly into something; pack in.
to fill up; congest; throng.
A vast crowd impacted St. Peter's Square.
to collide with; strike forcefully.
a rocket designed to impact the planet Mars.
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)

to have impact or make contact forcefully.
The ball impacted against the bat with a loud noise.
to have an impact or effect.
Increased demand will impact on sales.

impact

noun

the act of one body, object, etc, striking another; collision
the force with which one thing hits another or with which two objects collide
the impression made by an idea, cultural movement, social group, etc
the impact of the Renaissance on Medieval Europe

verb

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

Discover More

Usage

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. See also impactful.

Discover More

Other 51�Թ� Forms

nonimpact noun
postimpact adjective
��ˈ�貹��پ��ǲ� noun

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of impact¹

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

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of impact¹

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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Dermot said the whole incident has had a huge impact on his family.

From

"We do not think that a voluntary code of practice will have much of an impact on their day-to-day experience."

From

A chemical that scientists worry might have an impact on human reproduction has been found in rivers across the UK.

From

There were concerns, however, over the impact on the grass courts, with the men's tournament beginning at the same venue on Monday.

From

But Lyon's impact on this match was negligible.

From

Related 51�Թ�s

brunt��
burden��
impression��
influence��
meaning��
repercussion��
significance��

imp.impact adhesive

Browse