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View synonyms for impact

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

  • imˈpaction, noun
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Other Words From

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

We look for mission-driven founders who believe their companies can make a real and positive impact on the lives of people and patients the world over.

It’s important to recognize the truth of our impacts, to take stock of the enormous destruction we have reaped on this planet’s biodiversity and climate.

Committed investors, engaged philanthropy, and smart state and local policy can create access to capital for marginalized communities that fosters genuine impact and fights poverty.

From Fortune

So it starts as a grant, but then it’s mixed with a convertible note that converts based on how much impact they’re creating, measured on metrics that we advise.

From Fortune

Faulconer and Housing Commission officials see the proposed purchases as a chance to make a major impact on the city’s homelessness crisis.

In this nervous city in an embattled country, even small explosions can have a big impact.

The EPA felt that the State Department had not looked carefully enough at the impact of the pipeline if oil prices fell.

Residents of the neighborhoods where cops are needed the most are mixed on the impact of the apparent slowdown.

Strong currents and winds, however, mean any debris could be drifting up to 31 miles a day eastward, away from the impact zone.

It made a big impact on him and he realized, “Wow, there really is a Santa, at least in the hearts of some people.”

The impact dragged down on the speed of the roadster so that the rear right fender was only crumpled by the brick work.

But "son" had rebounded from the impact like a rubber ball, or the best trained gymnast of his school, as he was.

I saw Johnny Burke's body jerk a bit under the impact of the slugs, but he was too big to be stopped by them.

I felt the impact of that culture in her interested eyes and in the sleek, smart bearing of her utterly relaxed body.

The impact stresses depend so much on local conditions that it is difficult to fix what allowance should be made.

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impimpact adhesive