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.
The school counters that the government has no right to impinge on its academic freedom and independence, especially its emphasis on diversity and tolerance. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025 Memories, both fresh and long-held, impinge on the present of our main characters. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025 Politics Judge vows to determine if Trump administration ignored order blocking deportation flights March 21, 2025 Administration officials have repeatedly criticized judges for reigning in the president’s actions, accusing the courts of improperly impinging on his executive powers. Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 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 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 10 Jun. 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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