percutere

Percutere is a Latin verb meaning to strike, hit, or pierce, and by extension to affect or touch emotionally or intellectually. It can denote physical impact (to strike with a weapon or tool) as well as metaphorical impact (to strike the mind or senses). In classical Latin it is used transitively and often appears in military, medical, or rhetorical contexts.

Etymology and conjugation: the verb combines the prefix per- “through, thoroughly” with a root related to the concept of striking, linked to other verbs such as concutere “to shake violently.” Percutere belongs to the third conjugation, specifically the io-subclass of -ere verbs. The principal parts are percutio, percutere, percussi, percussum. In the present system it is conjugated as a typical -io verb: present active percutio, percutis, percutit, percutimus, percutitis, percutiunt; imperfect active percutiebam, percutiebas, percutiebat, percutiebamus, percutiebatis, percutiebant; perfect active percussi, percussisti, percussit, percussimus, percussistis, percussērunt. The passive present forms are percutior, percuteris, percutitur, percutimur, percutimini, percutuntur. The perfect passive participle is percussus (with supine percussum).

Usage notes: in classical Latin percutere frequently describes physical striking, piercing, or beating, but it also occurs figuratively, as in striking an idea, impression, or spirit. In learned or rhetorical prose it can convey sudden impact on the audience or mind.

In Romance languages, cognates exist (Italian percutere; French percuter; Spanish percutir), and the Latin root also underlies the English word percussion through later French influence.