- impress (v.)
- late 14c., "to apply with pressure, make a permanent image in," from L. impressus, pp. of imprimere "press into or upon, stamp," from in- "into" + premere "to press" (see press (v.1)). Figurative sense of "have a strong effect on the mind or heart" is from early 15c. Sense of "to levy for military service" is from 1590s, a meaning more from press (v.2).