Dictionary

impinge

verb im·pinge \im-ˈpinj\

im·pingedim·ping·ing

Definition of IMPINGE

intransitive verb

: to strike or dash especially with a sharp collision <I heard the rain impinge upon the earth — James Joyce>

: to have an effect : make an impression <waiting for the germ of a new idea to impinge upon my mind — Phyllis Bentley>

: encroach, infringe <impinge on other people's rights>

— im·pinge·ment \-ˈpinj-mənt\ noun

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Latin impingere, from in- + pangere to fasten, drive in — more at pact

First Known Use: 1605

Synonyms: bang, bash, bump, collide, crash, impact, hit, knock, ram, slam, smash, strike, swipe, thud

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