impact Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the striking of one body against another
  2. noun a forceful consequence; a strong effect
    wallop.
    • the book had an important impact on my thinking
    • the book packs a wallop
  3. noun influencing strongly
    encroachment; impingement.
    • they resented the impingement of American values on European culture
  4. noun the violent interaction of individuals or groups entering into combat
    shock.
    • the armies met in the shock of battle
  5. verb press or wedge together; pack together
  6. verb have an effect upon
    touch on; bear upon; bear on; touch; affect.
    • Will the new rules affect me?

WordNet

Im*pact" transitive verb
Etymology
L. impactus, p. p. of impingere to push, strike against. See Impinge.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Impacted; present participle & verbal noun Impacting
Definitions
  1. To drive close; to press firmly together: to wedge into a place. Woodward.
Im"pact noun
Definitions
  1. Contact or impression by touch; collision; forcible contact; force communicated.
    The quarrel, by that impact driven. Southey.
  2. (Mech.) The single instantaneous stroke of a body in motion against another either in motion or at rest.

Webster 1913