Meaning & Definition
noun
The strong effect or influence that something has on a situation or person.
The impact of climate change is being felt around the globe.
The action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.
The impact of the crash was so severe that the car was totaled.
verb
To have a strong effect on someone or something.
The new policy will impact the way we do business.
To set firmly in a surface.
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.
Slang Meanings
To hit hard or have a sudden influence.
That news hit me like an impact!
To make a strong impression.
Her performance really impacted the crowd.