impact
Americannoun
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the striking of one thing against another; forceful contact; collision.
The impact of the colliding cars broke the windshield.
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an impinging.
the impact of light on the eye.
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influence; effect.
the impact of Einstein on modern physics.
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an impacting; forcible impinging.
the tremendous impact of the shot.
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the force exerted by a new idea, concept, technology, or ideology.
the impact of the industrial revolution.
verb (used with object)
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to drive or press closely or firmly into something; pack in.
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to fill up; congest; throng.
A vast crowd impacted St. Peter's Square.
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to collide with; strike forcefully.
a rocket designed to impact the planet Mars.
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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)
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to have impact or make contact forcefully.
The ball impacted against the bat with a loud noise.
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to have an impact or effect.
Increased demand will impact on sales.
noun
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the act of one body, object, etc, striking another; collision
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the force with which one thing hits another or with which two objects collide
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the impression made by an idea, cultural movement, social group, etc
the impact of the Renaissance on Medieval Europe
verb
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to drive or press (an object) firmly into (another object, thing, etc) or (of two objects) to be driven or pressed firmly together
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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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This show traces his entire six-decade career, highlighting the many mediums he experimented with and making clear his lasting impact.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
With a test booked for July and hoping to pass first time, she adds higher fuel prices wouldn't put her off buying a car, but would impact how she uses it.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
How will Luka Doncic’s injury impact the Lakers over the remainder of the regular season?
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
Yields on new private-credit debt, they say, are getting more attractive, offsetting the impact of higher financing costs.
From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026
I hear the crack of impact as candies skitter across the hardwood floor.
From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
