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impact
/ˈɪmpækt/
strong effect or influence
The new policy had a significant impact on small businesses.
The policy greatly affected small businesses.
general
A strong and often sudden effect or influence on something or someone
The hurricane had a devastating impact on the coastal towns.
The hurricane caused severe damage to the coastal towns.
Can be physical (e.g., collision) or abstract (e.g., emotional effect).
general
To have a strong effect on something or someone
The speech impacted the audience deeply.
The speech moved the audience emotionally.
Often used in formal or professional contexts.
Collocations
have an impactto cause a significant effectmake an impactto create a noticeable effectminimal impacta very small or negligible effect
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Use
Use 'impact' as a verb in formal writing; prefer 'affect' in casual speech.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
'Impact' is often overused in business and media. Use synonyms for variety.
Word Origin
From Latin 'impactus' (past participle of 'impigere'), meaning 'to strike against'.
Usage Notes
As a verb, 'impact' is often used in formal contexts. Avoid using it in place of 'affect' in everyday speech.
Word Breakdown
im-
in, into
prefix-pact
strike, hit
root-ed
past tense or adjective form
suffixEnglish Dictionary