Impact definition

ĭmpăkt
impacted impacting impacts
See word origin
Frequency:
To have an effect.
verb
69
25
To strike forcefully.

Meteorites impacting the lunar surface.

verb
47
34
To hit with force.
verb
16
7
(usage problem) To have an effect or impact on.
verb
41
33
The force of a collision; shock.
noun
13
7
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The power of an event, idea, etc. to produce changes, move the feelings, etc.
noun
16
11
(proscribed) To influence; to affect; to have an impact on.

I can make the changes, but it will impact the schedule.

verb
5
0
To pack firmly together.
verb
31
27
To have an effect or impact.
verb
17
14
The definition of impact is one thing crashing into or having an effect on another.

An example of impact is the effect that humans are having on the environment.

verb
4
1
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The striking of one body against another; collision.
noun
1
0
The force transmitted by a collision.
noun
1
0
The striking of one body against another; collision.
noun
1
0
The force or energy of a collision of two objects.

The hatchet cut the wood on impact.

noun
1
0
(chiefly medicine) A forced impinging.

His spine had an impingement; L4 and L5 made impact, which caused numbness in his leg.

noun
1
0
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A significant or strong influence; an effect.

His friend's opinion had an impact on his decision.

Our choice of concrete will have a tremendous impact on the building's mechanical performance.

noun
1
0
To compress; to compact; to press or pack together.

If fecal incontinence is caused by impacted stool in the rectum, the impaction must be removed.

verb
1
0

When the hammer impacts the nail, it bends.

verb
1
0
The effect or impression of one person or thing on another.

Still gauging the impact of automation on the lives of factory workers.

noun
1
1
A striking together; violent contact; collision.
noun
6
7
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To force tightly together; pack; wedge.
verb
5
7
To affect.
verb
7
11

Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
impact
Plural:
impacts

Origin of impact

  • From Latin impāctus past participle of impingere to push against impinge

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin impāctus, perfect passive participle of impingō (“dash against, impinge”).

    From Wiktionary

Impact Sentence Examples

  • He was realizing the impact the lie had on their relationship.

  • The impact knocked her back.

  • We're just beginning to understand their impact on nature and the universe.

  • The impact jarred her to the core.

  • The fractured edge is smoothed by the impact of a gas flame.

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Also Mentioned In

Words near impact in the Dictionary