impinge

verb

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

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 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.
Funding that is distributed to governments or organizations working in repressive countries carries the grave risk of empowering security actors that not only impinge on the rights of refugees but also those of citizens. Kelsey Norman, The Conversation, 18 June 2026 The legal case, decided at an emergency hearing in a Los Angeles courthouse on Monday morning, was brought by an Iranian fan who said FIFA’s block impinged freedom of speech, but the judge rejected that argument. Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 16 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 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 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 20 Jun. 2026.

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
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