n.
Pronunciation: ' im- ˌ pakt
Function: noun
Date: 1781
1 a : an impinging or striking especially of one body against another b : a forceful contact or onset also : the impetus communicated in or as if in such a contact
2 : the force of impression of one thing on another : a significant or major effect <the impact of science on our society> <an environmental impact study>
synonyms IMPACT , COLLISION , SHOCK , CONCUSSION mean a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things. IMPACT may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other <the glass shattered on impact with the floor>. COLLISION implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded <the collision damaged the vehicle>. SHOCK often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force <the shock of falling rocks>. CONCUSSION when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow <bystanders felt the concussion of the blast>.