impact
[ noun im-pakt; verb im-pakt ]
/ noun ˈɪm pækt; verb ɪmˈpækt /
noun
verb (used with object)
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.
Origin of impact
First recorded in 1775–85; (noun and v.) back formation from
impacted
usage note for impact
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.
OTHER WORDS FROM impact
non·im·pact, noun, adjective post·im·pact, adjectiveWords nearby impact
imo,
imogene,
imp,
imp.,
imp. gal.,
impact,
impact adhesive,
impact crater,
impact extrusion,
impact parameter,
impact printer
Example sentences from the Web for impact
British Dictionary definitions for impact
impact
noun (ˈɪmpækt)
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 (ɪmˈpækt)
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)
Derived forms of impact
impaction, nounWord Origin for impact
C18: from Latin
impactus pushed against, fastened on, from
impingere to thrust at, from
pangere to drive in