What is impressment definition?

Impressment, also known as press-ganging, is the act of compelling individuals into military service or naval service. It was a commonly used practice in the British Royal Navy from the 16th to the 19th century, as a means of recruiting sailors for ships. Impressment was often carried out by boarding teams who would forcibly remove men from merchant ships or taverns, or even from the streets. The practice was usually unpopular among those who were impressed, as they were often taken from their families and employment without their consent. While impressment was used in other countries, it was particularly controversial in Great Britain and played a role in the tensions that led up to the War of 1812.