Meaning & Definition of word "Impact"

Impact

/ˈɪmpækt/

noun:

  • 1. The strong effect or influence that something has on a situation or person.
    • Example: The impact of climate change is being felt around the globe.
  • 2. The action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.
    • Example: The impact of the crash was so severe that the car was totaled.

verb:

  • 1. To have a strong effect on someone or something.
    • Example: The new policy will impact the way we do business.
  • 2. To set firmly in a surface.
    • Example: The meteor impacted the Earth's surface with great force.

Etymology

From Latin 'impactus', past participle of 'impingere' meaning 'to drive into, to push against'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

impact assessment:

The evaluation of the potential effects of a project or decision.

make an impact:

To have a strong influence or effect.

impact factor:

A measure of the frequency with which an average article in a journal has been cited in a particular year.

Related Words

effect:

A change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.

influence:

The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

collision:

An instance of one moving object or person striking violently against another.

Slang Meanings of impact

Meaning: To hit hard or have a sudden influence.

Example Sentence: That news hit me like an impact!

Meaning: To make a strong impression.

Example Sentence: Her performance really impacted the crowd.