impact

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The force or energy of a collision of two objects.

   The hatchet cut the wood on impact.

2. 2
   noun

   A forced impinging.

   His spine had an impingement; L4 and L5 made impact, which caused numbness in his leg.

3. 3
   noun

   A significant or strong influence or effect.

   His friend's opinion had an impact on his decision.

4. 4
   verb

   To collide or strike, the act of impinging.

   When the hammer impacts the nail, it bends.

5. 5
   verb

   To compress; to compact; to press into something or pack together.

   The footprints of birds do not impact the soil in the way those of dinosaurs do.

6. 6
   verb

   To significantly or strongly influence or affect; to have an impact on.

   I can make the changes, but it will impact the schedule.

7. 7
   verb

   To stamp or impress onto something.

   Ideas impacted on the mind.

8. 8
   noun

   influencing strongly

Etymology

Attested since the 17th century, from Latin impāctus.