impinge

American  

[im-pinj] / ɪmˈpɪndʒ /

verb (used without object)

impinged, impinging

1. to make an impression; have an effect or impact (usually followed by on orupon ).

   to impinge upon the imagination; social pressures that impinge upon one's daily life.

2. to encroach; infringe (usually followed by on orupon ).

   to impinge on another's rights.

3. to strike; dash; collide (usually followed by on, upon, oragainst ).

   rays of light impinging on the eye.

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verb (used with object)

impinged, impinging

1. Obsolete. to come into violent contact with.

impinge British  

/ ɪmˈpɪndʒ /

verb

1. (intr; usually foll by on or upon) to encroach or infringe; trespass

   to impinge on someone's time

2. (intr; usually foll by on, against, or upon) to collide (with); strike

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Other Word Forms

• impingement noun
• impingent adjective
• impinger noun
• unimpinging adjective

Etymology

Origin of impinge

First recorded in 1525–35; from Medieval Latin impingere “to strike against, drive at,” equivalent to Latin im- prefix meaning “in” ( im- ¹ ) + -pingere, combining form of pangere “to fasten, drive in, fix”; impact

Example Sentences

"It is important that nothing is said that would either potentially defame an individual, nor impinge upon the police investigation which is ongoing," stated the letter, signed by two senior members of the church.

From BBC

They have claimed this ban actually risks making children less safe, argued it impinges on their rights, and repeatedly pointed to the questions around the tech that will be used to enforce the policy.

From BBC

Faroese pro-choice campaigners have argued the legislation was outdated and impinged on women's rights.

From BBC

However, to allow the declaration element of Massa's case to proceed "comes too close in my view to impinging on the right of the FIA to govern its own affairs", the judge said.

From BBC

"All it will do is impinge further on the freedoms of law-abiding Brits."

From BBC

Related Words

• encroach
• infringe
• intrude