im|pac´tor

im|pact «noun. IHM pakt; verb. ihm PAKT», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a striking (of one thing against another); collision: »

The impact of the heavy stone against the windowpane shattered the glass. The impact of the two swords broke both of them.

2. Physics. the single instantaneous blow of a moving body when it meets another body.

3. Figurative. a forceful or dramatic effect: »

We cannot afford to ignore the impact of a deteriorating prison system on human dignity (A. S. Alexander, Jr.).

–v.t.

1. to drive or press closely or firmly into something; pack in.

2. to come upon; hit; reach: »

The capsule impacted the moon the day after it was launched.

SYNONYM(S): strike.

3. Figurative. to have a forceful or dramatic effect (on): »

The Mayor noted that if the deep cuts have to be made they would “... impact heavily on the poor” (New York Times).

–v.i.

to strike against something with force; collide; crash: »

“Think of that! I was examining material from a meteor that impacted on the moon!” (New Yorker).

╂[< Latin impactus struck against, past participle of impingere; see etym. under impinge (Cf. ↑impinge)]

–im|pac´tion, noun.

–im|pac´tor, noun.