impress

verb (1)

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im·press | \ im-ˈpres

impressed; impressing; impresses

Definition of impress

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1a : to affect especially forcibly or deeply : gain the admiration or interest of her honesty impressed us

b : to produce a vivid impression of

2a : to apply with pressure so as to imprint

b : to produce (something, such as a mark) by pressure

c : to mark by or as if by pressure or stamping

3 : transfer, transmit

intransitive verb

: to produce an impression

impress

noun (1)

im·press | \ ˈim-ˌpres

also im-ˈpres

Definition of impress (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : a characteristic or distinctive mark : stamp the impress of a fresh and vital intelligence is stamped … in his work— Lytton Strachey

2 : impression, effect have an impress on history

3 : the act of impressing

4a : a mark made by pressure : imprint

b : an image of something formed by or as if by pressure especially : seal

c : a product of pressure or influence

impress

verb (2)

im·press | \ im-ˈpres

impressed; impressing; impresses

Definition of impress (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to levy or take by force for public service especially : to force into naval service

2a : to procure or enlist by forcible persuasion

b : force impressed him into a white coat for the Christmas festivities— Nancy Hale

impress

noun (2)

im·press | \ ˈim-ˌpres

also im-ˈpres

Definition of impress (Entry 4 of 4)

: impressment

Other Words from impress Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Learn More About impress

Other Words from impress

Verb (1)

impressibility \ im-ˌpre-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

impressible \ im-ˈpre-sə-bəl

\ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for impress

Verb (1)

affect, influence, touch, impress, strike, sway mean to produce or have an effect upon. affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction. the sight affected her to tears influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior). our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming. plants touched by frost his emotions were touched by her distress impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect. only one of the plans impressed him strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation. struck by the solemnity of the occasion sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action. politicians who are swayed by popular opinion