n.
/
ˈɪmpakt/
- the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.
- a marked effect or influence.
v.
/
ɪmˈpakt/
- come into forcible contact with another object.
▸chiefly N. Amer. come into forcible contact with.
-
(often impact on)
have a strong effect.
- press firmly.
Derivative
- impactive adj.
- impactor n.
Usage
Many people disapprove of the phrasal verb impact on, as in high interest rates have impacted on retail spending. This may be partly because new formations of verbs from nouns are often regarded as somehow inferior and partly because this use of impact is widely associated with business jargon, making it doubly disliked.
Etymology
C17: from L. impact-, impingere (see impinge).