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!