verb / noun
impress
To leave a distinct mark by pressing upon something.
The potter impresses a leaf pattern into the soft clay.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to press into. This sense keeps the physical action: pressure produces a distinct mark in the receiving material.
More examples
- She impressed her initials into the wet cement.
- Try impressing a coin into the dough.
- The wax bears the impress of a small seal.
Forms
impress · impresses · impressed · impressing
impression noun — A mark left by pressure on something.