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

Explanation

Whether you have a habit of standing too close when talking to others or bringing luggage on a crowded rush-hour subway car, you'll find people don't like it when you impinge on their personal space. When you impinge, you intrude on something, whether it’s someone else’s space, time, or rights. Think of it as moving in on someone’s territory. The word also can be used in the sense of affecting something, usually negatively, often by restricting it. For example, constantly inviting your friend to go shopping and meet you in nice restaurants might impinge on her desire to save money.

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 • Dec. 14, 2025

She really believed that she was seeking consensus, tolerant of all perspectives as long as they didn’t impinge on her beliefs, the origins of which are poignantly related later in the play.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2025

In other words, actions like mining development, agriculture and so on, unleash a whole lot of chemicals which impinge on us every day.

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2024

“We can build an inclusive environment in many ways, but compelled statements impinge on freedom of expression, and they don’t work.”

From New York Times • May 6, 2024

Feudalism, conservatism, family piety, are dissolved; and, as the conquering mobile civilisations impinge upon quiescent peoples, new ambitions and desires are created among populations hitherto content to live as their forefathers lived.

From American World Policies by Weyl, Walter E.

Related Words

• encroach
• infringe
• intrude