human-impact
|hu-man-im-pact|
/ˈhjuːmən ˈɪmpækt/
people causing effects
Etymology
'human-impact' is a compound formed in modern English from 'human' and 'impact'. 'human' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'humanus', where 'humanus' meant 'of man' or 'human'; 'impact' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'impactus', ultimately from 'impingere' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'pingere' meant 'to strike or press'.
'human' came into English via Old French and Latin ('humanus'), while 'impact' entered English from Latin 'impactus' (via scientific and later general usage). The compound expression 'human impact' became common in the 20th century with the rise of environmental science and ecology and is used today as 'human-impact' in some contexts.
Initially, 'impact' primarily referred to a physical striking or collision; over time its sense broadened to mean 'effect' or 'influence'. Consequently, 'human-impact' came to refer broadly to the effects produced by human activity on natural and social systems.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the effect or influence that human activities have on the natural environment, ecosystems, climate, and biodiversity.
Scientists are studying the human-impact on coastal ecosystems.
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Noun 2
a measurable change or consequence (positive or negative) resulting from human actions on a specific environment or system.
The report quantifies the human-impact of urban development on local water quality.
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Last updated: 2026/01/16 19:33