- impress
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I. verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin impressus, past participle of imprimere, from in- + premere to press — more at press
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. to apply with pressure so as to imprint
b. to produce (as a mark) by pressure
c. to mark by or as if by pressure or stamping
2.
a. 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 Synonyms: see affect • impressibility noun • impressible adjective II. noun Date: 1590 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 4. a. 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 III. transitive verb Etymology: 2in- + 3press Date: 1596 1. to levy or take by force for public service; especially to force into naval service 2. a. to procure or enlist by forcible persuasion b. force <impressed him into a white coat for the Christmas festivities — Nancy Hale> IV. noun Date: 1602 impressment
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
