ə̇mˈpinj verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin impingere to strike or push at or against, from in- in- (II) + -pingere (from pangere to fasten, drive in) — more at pact
intransitive verb
1. : to strike or dash especially with a sharp collision : come into sharp contact — usually used with on, upon, or against
when an elastic ball impinges on another — K.K.Darrow
I heard the rain impinge upon the earth — James Joyce
the creak of oarlocks impinged on his ear
something impinges violently on your senses — Peggy Durdin
a strong light impinging on the eyes and causing a sudden pain
2. : to come into a relationship as if impinging : make an impression : touch closely or bear directly — usually used with on or upon
waiting for the germ of a new idea to impinge upon my mind — Phyllis Bentley
the objects that impinged upon his imagination with the greatest impact — Times Literary Supplement
in that line of reasoning we impinge upon an abstruse metaphysical problem
political forces that impinge on everyone's daily life
3. : encroach , infringe — usually used with on
impinging on other people's rights
not that I want to impinge on any man's recreation — Ezra Pound
transitive verb
: to cause (as a gas or a flame) to strike
impinging live steam on the printed surface — Chem. & Engineering News