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

• 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

We’re supposed to all get together and make our government without the church impinging upon the state, but nonetheless, so much legislation and so much policy. —Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 11 July 2025

However, reality can’t help but impinge on daily life. —Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025

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

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