impact

American  

[im-pakt, im-pakt] / ˈɪm pækt, ɪmˈpækt /

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.

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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 British  

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

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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)

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.

Other Word Forms

• impaction
  noun
• nonimpact
  noun
• postimpact
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of impact

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

Explanation

The noun impact can refer to a physical force (like a collision), an influence (a bad role model or a hero), or a strong effect (a foot of snow will have an impact on driving conditions). Impact is used most often as a noun. A good teacher might have an impact (influence) on a struggling student. The moment two comets collide is called the "moment of impact." But this versatile word can also be used as a verb, though many people prefer to use its synonyms instead: "affect," "bear upon," or "touch on." Impacted teeth are wedged together or stuck behind each other.

Example Sentences

Wilburn, a defendant in the lawsuit, began to brake just before the impact, but was still driving at 98 mph in the seconds before the car slowed to about 72 mph, the suit says.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Having sparked frequent confrontations and fiery rhetoric during the campaign, they may have a similarly explosive impact on the new term of parliament.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Are tariffs having an impact on your business or the business you work for?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

The limit would have virtually no impact on the bottom 70% of households.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

When no impact came, I opened my eyes to discover that I was standing in front of a large steel door.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Related Words

• brunt
• burden
• impression
• influence
• meaning
• repercussion
• significance