- 1impact (of something) (on somebody/something) the powerful effect that something has on someone or something the environmental impact of tourism The report assesses the impact of AIDS on the gay community. Her speech made a profound impact on everyone. Businesses are beginning to feel the full impact of the recession. social support to cushion the impact of unemployment
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- 2the act of one object hitting another; the force with which this happens craters made by meteorite impacts The impact of the blow knocked Jack off balance. The bomb explodes on impact (= when it hits something). The car is fitted with side impact bars (= to protect it from a blow from the side).
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