'impress' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'imprimere,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'premere' meant 'to press.'

'imprimere' transformed into the Old French word 'empresser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'impress' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to press into or upon,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to affect deeply or strongly in mind or feelings.'