Impact ... *pulls hair out*

[nslay]

Why do we continue to abuse the word, "impact" when words like "affect" or "influence" are better alternatives!? I mean, turn on any news station and listen to them! Every damn thing is an impact, or something was impacted. I mean, look at these definitions for impact

–noun
1.
the striking of one thing against another; forceful contact; collision: The impact of the colliding cars broke the windshield.
2.
an impinging: the impact of light on the eye.
3.
influence; effect: the impact of Einstein on modern physics.
4.
an impacting; forcible impinging: the tremendous impact of the shot.
5.
the force exerted by a new idea, concept, technology, or ideology: the impact of the industrial revolution.
–verb (used with object) (Where the FUCK did this come from?)
6.
to drive or press closely or firmly into something; pack in.
7.
to fill up; congest; throng: A vast crowd impacted St. Peter's Square.
8.
to collide with; strike forcefully: a rocket designed to impact the planet Mars.
9.
to have an impact or effect on; influence; alter: The decision may impact your whole career. The auto industry will be impacted by the new labor agreements.
–verb (used without object) (Really!? ... "effect", "influence"?)
10.
to have impact or make contact forcefully: The ball impacted against the bat with a loud noise.
11.
to have an impact or effect: Increased demand will impact on sales. (... "effect"?)

I mean, almost EVERY definition has to do with physical collision or contact of some sort ... it's like these other definitions were tacked on!  They're not even similar!

I mean, why would you say,

How will this impact employers?

instead of

How will this affect employers?

Or

What impact will this have on residents?

as opposed to

What effect will this have on residents?

Or even

How will this impact immigration laws?

rather than

How will this influence immigration laws?

How in the heck did we manage to screw up a word like "impact"!?  Every time I watch the news, I feel like an earwig is eating my brain!

[CrAz3D]

too hard to remember "effect" v. "affect?"   

[Newby]

3.
influence; effect: the impact of Einstein on modern physics.

Sorta answers your question.

too hard to remember "effect" v. "affect?"   

Nothing to do with this, but hey, we're glad you're confused. =P

[nslay]

3.
influence; effect: the impact of Einstein on modern physics.

Sorta answers your question.

too hard to remember "effect" v. "affect?"   

Nothing to do with this, but hey, we're glad you're confused. =P

Bah, I forgot to highlight that one too!

[Hitmen]

this post has tremendous impact on how I will use the word impact in the future

it also begs the question, why are you so pedantic?

[iago]

it also begs the question, why are you so pedantic?

Please tell me your incorrect usage of "beg the question" was an ironic joke!

[nslay]

this post has tremendous impact on how I will use the word impact in the future

it also begs the question, why are you so pedantic?

Pedantic? It's annoying! I'm not the only one to find it irritating.  I can remember every English teacher I've had in high school and university complaining about people using "impact" this way.  I can't remember the news using this word this way so freely 5-10 years ago.  And just look at the list of definitions!  An overwhelming majority of the definitions have to do with physical collision or contact! 

No offense (because I've made this mistake), but "beg the question" is also being misused in the way you just used it!  Perhaps continued misuse will append a new definition to begging the question.

[Hitmen]

now your just being silly

[Chavo]

I don't think that this thread will have much of an impact on my word choice.

[deadly7]

Why do we continue to abuse the word, "impact" when words like "affect" or "influence" are better alternatives!? I mean, turn on any news station and listen to them! Every damn thing is an impact, or something was impacted. I mean, look at these definitions for impact

Language changes. Get over it. How society uses a word ultimately decides its definition.

[Armin]

Why do we continue to abuse the word, "impact" when words like "affect" or "influence" are better alternatives!? I mean, turn on any news station and listen to them! Every damn thing is an impact, or something was impacted. I mean, look at these definitions for impact

Language changes. Get over it.

Say that to Orwell.

[Joe]

I wanted to make a comment on how this will impact my vocabulary, but Chavo beat me to it.

[nslay]

now your just being silly

raises the question?

[nslay]

A quick Google search produced these:
Impact Does Not Mean to Affect
Impact as a noun
...

To me, it sounds almost as annoying as, "I'm doing good."  If you don't know why that's wrong, then go back to the 6th grade ... it's where I learned, "I'm doing well!".

[iago]

now your just being silly

raises the question?

Not to mention you're*

You've been trolled