impinge

verb

im·​pinge im-ˈpinj 

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 mind …

—Phyllis Bentley

3

: to strike or dash especially with a sharp collision

… I heard the rain impinge upon the earth …

—James Joyce

impingement

im-ˈpinj-mənt 

noun

Synonyms of impinge

• collide
• bump
• slam
• bang
• smash
• knock

Examples of impinge in a Sentence

hail was noisily impinging upon the car's exterior

Recent Examples on the Web

Such stuff can then impinge on normal brain tissue, which may result in more and more brain cells dying over time. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026

One is nothing more than a money laundering scheme, and the other impinges upon an open, fair and free market. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

Gonzalez was a little worried about impinging on Sinclaire, also a single mother, but took the offer — her only other option was to move in with her mother in New Jersey. — Kayla Levy, Curbed, 25 June 2026

Likewise, Levine has said city staff has tried to discover the best way to address the important issue of residents needing cell phone service, without impinging on enjoyment of Wentworth Park. — Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 30 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing impinge

• impinge on/upon

Rhymes for impinge

• infringe
• syringe
• binge
• cringe
• fringe
• hinge
• singe
• tinge
• twinge

Kids Definition

impinge

verb

im·​pinge im-ˈpinj 

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

-mənt 

noun