impinge

verb

im·​pinge im-ˈpinj How to pronounce impinge (audio)
impinged; impinging

intransitive verb

1
: encroach, infringe
impinge on other people's rights
2
: to have an effect : make an impression
waiting for the germ of a new idea to impinge upon my mindPhyllis Bentley
3
: to strike or dash especially with a sharp collision
I heard the rain impinge upon the earthJames Joyce
impingement noun

Examples of impinge in a Sentence

hail was noisily impinging upon the car's exterior
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Memories, both fresh and long-held, impinge on the present of our main characters. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025 While a typical Mythic Quest arc might see an employee’s workday derailed by their personal issues, this choice subtly reframes the dynamic so the job becomes the thing impinging on the parts of Phil’s life that actually matter most to him. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025 Where events impinge on that or when foreign affairs can clarify recent events at home, the column does engage, however rarely. Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Safety concerns cannot be allowed to impinge on supporters’ experiences and detract from what is an otherwise world-class venue. Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impinge

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of impinge was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impinge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impinge. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

impinge

verb
im·​pinge im-ˈpinj How to pronounce impinge (audio)
impinged; impinging
1
: to strike or dash especially with a sharp collision
sound waves impinge on the eardrums
2
: encroach sense 1, infringe
impinge on another's rights
impingement noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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