[im.press] vb [ME, fr. L impressus, pp. of imprimere, fr. in- + premere to press--more at press] vt (14c) 1 a: to apply with pressure so as to imprint b: to produce (as a mark) by pressure c: to mark by or as if by pressure or stamping
2. a: to produce a vivid impression of b: to affect esp. forcibly or deeply: influence
3: transfer, transmit ~ vi: to produce an impression syn see affect -- im.press.ibil.i.ty n -- im.press.ible adj
[2]im.press n (1590) 1: a characteristic or distinctive mark: stamp "the ~ of a fresh and vital intelligence is stamped ... in his work --Lytton Strachey"
2: impression, effect "have an ~ on history"
3: the act of impressing
4. a: a mark made by pressure: imprint b: an image of something formed by or as if by pressure; esp: seal c: a product of pressure or influence [3]im.press vt [
[2]in- + [3]press] (1596) 1: to levy or take by force for public service; esp: to force into naval service
2. a: to procure or enlist by forcible persuasion b: force "~ed him into a white coat for the Christmas festivities --Nancy Hale" [4]im.press n (1602): impressment