- Today's Word
Impinge
im-PINJ
Definition
- (verb) To intrude upon or negatively affect something or someone, often by limiting or interfering.
Example
The new law may impinge on individual freedoms if not carefully revised.
Fun Fact
From the Latin impingere (“to strike or press upon”), “impinge” originally had a physical meaning—like waves impinging on a cliff. Over time, it took on a more figurative meaning, referring to violations of boundaries—legal, personal, or ethical. Whether it’s noise impinging on concentration or rules impinging on freedom, the word always suggests an unwanted intrusion.
(noun) A burden, duty, or responsibility—especially one that is difficult or unwelcome.
The onus of proving the theory fell on the scientists who proposed it.
From Latin onus, meaning “load” or “burden.”