impact

1 of 2

noun

im·pact ˈim-ˌpakt

plural impacts

Synonyms of impact next

: an impinging or striking especially of one body against another

: a forceful contact or onset

also : the impetus communicated in or as if in such a contact

: the force of impression of one thing on another : a significant or major effect

the impact of science on our society

a study outlining the potential environmental impacts of the construction project

impact

2 of 2

verb

im·pact im-ˈpakt

impacted; impacting; impacts

transitive verb

: to have a direct effect or impact on : impinge on

: to strike forcefully

also : to cause to strike forcefully

: to fix firmly by or as if by packing or wedging

: to press together

intransitive verb

: to have an impact

—often used with on

: to impinge or make contact especially forcefully

Did you know?

Is impact a verb?

You may occasionally run into claims that impact is not a verb, or that it is somehow ill-suited to a role in this part of speech. Not only is that not the case, but the verb form of impact is much older than the noun form. It is possible that the word started attracting more displeasure when it began being widely used in a figurative sense as a transitive verb ("we expect the recession to impact the company"). The word is certainly a verb, although before using it in this manner in writing it is worth considering your audience, and whether members of it are likely to consider this use problematic.

Choose the Right Synonym for impact

impact, collision, shock, concussion mean a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things.

impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.

the glass shattered on impact with the floor

collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded.

the collision damaged the vehicle

shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force.

the shock of falling rocks

concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

Examples of impact in a Sentence

Noun No one could have survived such an impact. These warnings have been heard so often that they have lost their impact. The book had a huge impact when it first came out. We need to be concerned about the environmental impacts of all this construction. She expects to make an immediate impact at work. Verb No one is sure how these changes will impact our relations with other countries. Both events negatively impacted her life. The tax increase will impact low-income families the most. The poor economy is impacting on small businesses. A crater was formed at the point where the meteor impacted the planet's surface.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Noun

Longdale says Blizzard hears about the impact Azeroth has had on people’s lives all the time. —

Cameron Koch, Rolling Stone, 23 Nov. 2024 This will reflect the full story of your impact, not just your financial growth. —

Jennifer Kamara, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Verb

Crookes And Jackson Stretching from the Rift Valley to the slopes of Mount Kenya, the vast Laikipia Plateau is a compelling alternative to the Masai Mara—where overcrowding can impact the wilderness experience, especially during the peak of the migration. —

Sarah Khan, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Nov. 2024 Even if the company’s valuation looks reasonable today, issues with internal controls and accounting practices may impact its long-term viability and ability to deliver shareholder value. —

Trefis Team, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impact

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin impactus, past participle of impingere to push against — more at impinge

First Known Use

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1601, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Time Traveler

The first known use of impact was in 1601

See more words from the same year

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impact. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

impact

1 of 2 verb

im·pact im-ˈpakt

: to have a strong effect on

volcanic ash impacted weather conditions worldwide

: to hit or cause to hit with force

impact

2 of 2 noun

im·pact ˈim-ˌpakt

: a striking together of two bodies : collision

: a forceful effect

the impact of pollution on the environment

Last Updated: 27 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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impact

noun

verb

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Synonyms

Examples of impact in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near impact

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Kids Definition