impress (something) (up)on (someone)

impress (something) (up)on (someone)

1. To press or push something into something else in order to make a mark or print. I impressed the baby's footprint on the sheet of paper.2. To put forth effort so that someone learns or remembers something. I try to impress the importance of strong morals upon my kids every day.See also: impress

impress something (up)on someone

to make someone fully aware of something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) You must impress these facts upon everyone you meet. She impressed its importance on me.See also: impress, on

impress something (up)on something

to press something into the surface of something, leaving a mark. The ribbing of my socks impressed a pattern upon my calves. The heavy vase impressed its outline on the pine tabletop.See also: impress, on

impress on

or impress uponv.1. To produce something, as a mark or pattern, on a surface by pressure; imprint something on a surface: We impressed the stencil outline on the fabric.2. To impart a strong or vivid impression of something in the mind of someone: The singing coach impressed her theories of music on me.See also: impress, on