DictionaryimpingePhysical contact
verb

impinge

im-PINJ/ɪmˈpɪndʒ/

To press or strike against something's boundary.

The overgrown hedge impinges on the footpath, narrowing the wheelchair user's passage.

A neighbor's overgrown hedge intrudes far across a narrow public footpath, forcing an adult wheelchair user to pause at the narrowed passage while a companion looks at the obstructing branches.
Etymology

“Into” combined with “fix or fasten” produced the sense “drive into, strike against.” That physical contact became figurative encroachment: affecting something by pressing upon its space or limits.

In context

Highland Radio Ireland85:43
that's a danger um you know at some point then if we impinge on transgender people's rights then who's next after that
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More examples

  • Jets of water impinge on the metal surface.
  • The expanding roots impinge on the foundation.
  • Light rays impinge on the sensor.

Forms

impinge · impinges · impinged · impinging

impingement noun — Pressure or contact against another structure.

Similar words

strike
Suggests a sharper impact rather than steady pressure against something.
press
Emphasizes continuous force against a surface rather than impact.