Dictionary
im•pact
Pronunciation: (
—n.im'pakt;
—v.im-pakt'), [key]—
n.
1. the striking of one thing against another; forceful contact; collision:
The impact of the colliding cars broke the windshield.
2. an impinging:
the impact of light on the eye.
3. influence; effect:
the impact of Einstein on modern physics.
4. an impacting; forcible impinging:
the tremendous impact of the shot.
5. the force exerted by a new idea, concept, technology, or ideology:
the impact of the industrial revolution.
—
v.t.
1. to drive or press closely or firmly into something; pack in.
2. to fill up; congest; throng:
A vast crowd impacted St. Peter's Square.
3. to collide with; strike forcefully:
a rocket designed to impact the planet Mars.
4. to have an impact or effect on; influence; alter:
The decision may impact your whole career. The auto industry will be impacted by the new labor agreements.
—
v.i.
1. to have impact or make contact forcefully:
The ball impacted against the bat with a loud noise.
2. to have an impact or effect:
Increased demand will impact on sales. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
