verb (used with object),im·pressed or (Archaic) im·prest;im·pres·sing.
to affect deeply or strongly in mind or feelings; influence in opinion: He impressed us as a sincere young man.
to fix deeply or firmly on the mind or memory, as ideas or facts: to impress the importance of honesty on a child.
to urge, as something to be remembered or done: She impressed the need for action on them.
to press (a thing) into or on something.
to impose a particular characteristic or quality upon (something): The painter impressed his love of garish colors upon the landscape.
to produce (a mark, figure, etc.) by pressure; stamp; imprint: The king impressed his seal on the melted wax.
to apply with pressure, so as to leave a mark.
to subject to or mark by pressure with something.
to furnish with a mark, figure, etc., by or as if by stamping.
Electricity. to produce (a voltage) or cause (a voltage) to appear or be produced on a conductor, circuit, etc.
verb (used without object),im·pressed or (Archaic) im·prest;im·pres·sing.
to create a favorable impression; draw attention to oneself: a child's behavior intended to impress.
noun
the act of impressing.
a mark made by or as by pressure; stamp; imprint.
a distinctive character or effect imparted: writings that bear the impress of a strong personality.
Origin of impress
1
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Latin impressus, past participle of imprimere “to press into or upon, impress,” equivalent to im- “in” + pressus, past participle of premere (combining form -primere ) “to press”; see im-1, press1, print