Impact \Im*pact"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impacted; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Impacting.] [L. impactus, p. p. of impingere to push,
   strike against. See Impinge.]
   1. To drive close; to press firmly together: to wedge into a
      place. --Woodward.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To affect or influence, especially in a significant or
      undesirable manner; as, budget cuts impacted the entire
      research program; the fish populations were adversely
      impacted by pollution.
      [PJC]

   3. To collide forcefully with; to strike.
      [PJC]