I. im-ˈpres verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin impressus, past participle of imprimere, from in- + premere to press — more at press
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
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 especially forcibly or deeply : gain the admiration or interest of
her honesty impress ed us
3. : transfer , transmit
intransitive verb
: to produce an impression
Synonyms: see affect
• im·press·ibil·i·ty -ˌpre-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē noun
• im·press·ible -ˈpre-sə-bəl adjective
II. ˈim-ˌpres also im-ˈ noun
Date: 1590
1. : a characteristic or distinctive mark : stamp
the impress of a fresh and vital intelligence is stamped…in his work — Lytton Strachey
2. : impression , effect
have an impress 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 ; especially : seal
c. : a product of pressure or influence
III. im-ˈpres transitive verb
Etymology: in- (II) + press (III)
Date: 1596
1. : to levy or take by force for public service ; especially : to force into naval service
2.
a. : to procure or enlist by forcible persuasion
b. : force
impress ed him into a white coat for the Christmas festivities — Nancy Hale
IV. ˈim-ˌpres also im-ˈ noun
Date: 1602
: impressment