(n): the physical coming together of two or more things
(n): a forceful consequence; a strong effect
(n): a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
(n): influencing strongly
(n): causing something without any direct or apparent effort
(n): the violent interaction of individuals or groups entering into combat
(n): the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
(v): press or wedge together; pack together
(v): squeeze like a wedge into a tight space
(v): have an effect upon
(v): cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
What's the impact this word?
This word is used (and misused) in business speak: "that new product will have a big impact on our sales." Or worse: "the change to our commercial will be impactful on our third-quarter sales." Every time I hear the word used this way, I think about impaction of the bowel, and I see that Ninjawords uses that as an example in its definition of the word.