Definition of the word impinge

The word "impinge" originated in Middle English in the 14th century, and it initially had the meaning of "to press inwards" or "to invade." Its root is the Old French word "empinger," which itself originated from the Latin verb "impingere," meaning "to press against" or "to join together closely." In its earliest use, "impinge" was typically found in legal and poetic contexts, where it described situations that involved intrusion, invasion, or infringement. For example, in a legal court record from the 14th century, the judgment against a defendant reads, "The trespass that the defendant committed against his lord's land impinged on the lord's right." In poetry, the word was employed to convey a sense of close proximity or coming together, as in this line from Geoffrey Chaucer's epic poem The Canterbury Tales: "The searcher, of the king's estates and fee, / Impinged on the strange pointed cap too near." In modern usage, the meaning of "impinge" has broadened to include concepts of influence, impact, or interference, as illustrated in statements such as "The new technology impinged on the company's workflow" or "The candidate's political leanings impinge on his ability to lead effectively." The verb is often used in academic writing, particularly in fields such as sociology, philosophy, and law, to indicate a connection or relationship between two concepts or actions. In short, "impinge" continues to evolve and expand, but its origins remain rooted in the notions of invasion, pressure, and joining together closely.