late 14c., "have a strong effect on the mind or heart," from Latin impressus, past participle of imprimere "press into or upon, stamp," from assimilated form of in- "into, in, on, upon" (see in-(2)) + premere "to press" (see press, v.1). Literal sense of "to apply with pressure, make a permanent image in, indent, imprint" is from early 15c. in English. Sense of "to levy for military service" is from 1590s, a meaning more from press, v.2. Related: Impressed; impressing.

"act of impressing," also "characteristic mark," 1590s, from impress, v..