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impress

verb (1)
im·​press | \ im-ˈpres How to pronounce impress (audio) \
impressed; impressing; impresses

Definition of impress

 (Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1a : 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
2a : to produce a vivid impression of
b : 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

impress

noun (1)
im·​press | \ ˈim-ËŒpres How to pronounce impress (audio) also im-ˈpres How to pronounce impress (audio) \

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 How to pronounce impress (audio) \
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-ËŒpres How to pronounce impress (audio) also im-ˈpres How to pronounce impress (audio) \

Definition of impress (Entry 4 of 4)

: impressment
Other Words from impress Choose the Right Synonym Learn More about impress

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Other Words from impress

Verb (1)

impressibility \ im-​ËŒpre-​sÉ™-​ˈbi-​lÉ™-​tÄ“ How to pronounce impressibility (audio) \ noun
impressible \ im-​ˈpre-​sÉ™-​bÉ™l How to pronounce impressible (audio) \ 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

First Known Use of impress

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1602, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for impress

Verb (1)

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

Verb (2)

in- entry 2 + press entry 3

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More Definitions for impress

impress

verb
im·​press | \ im-ˈpres How to pronounce impress (audio) \
impressed; impressing

Kids Definition of impress

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.

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