impress

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verb im·press \im-ˈpres\

Definition of impress

transitive verb
1a : to apply with pressure so as to imprintb : to produce (something, such as a mark) by pressurec : to mark by or as if by pressure or stamping
2a : to produce a vivid impression ofb : to affect especially forcibly or deeply : gain the admiration or interest of her honesty impressed us
3 : transfer, transmit
intransitive verb
: to produce an impression

impressibility

play \im-ˌpre-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

impressible

play \im-ˈpre-sə-bəl\ adjective

Origin and Etymology of impress

Middle English, from Latin impressus, past participle of imprimere, from in- + premere to press — more at press

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of impress

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

impress

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noun im·press \ˈim-ˌpres also im-ˈpres\

Definition of impress

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 : imprintb : an image of something formed by or as if by pressure; especially : sealc : a product of pressure or influence

1590

First Known Use of impress

1590

impress

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verb im·press \im-ˈpres\

Definition of impress

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

Origin and Etymology of impress

²in- + ³press

First Known Use: 1596

impress

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noun im·press \ˈim-ˌpres also im-ˈpres\

Definition of impress

: impressment

1602

First Known Use of impress

1602

IMPRESS Defined for Kids

impress

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verb im·press \im-ˈpres\

Definition of impress for Students

impressed

;

impressing

1 : to produce by stamping, pressing, or printing impress a design
2 : to affect strongly or deeply and especially favorably Her talent impressed me.
3 : to give a clear idea of She impressed on us her concerns.