Impede Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
impede
[ษชmหpiหd ]
Definitions
inhibit movement
To impede means to delay or obstruct the progress or movement of something. It can refer to physically blocking a path or hindering the development of a process.
Synonyms
block, delay, hamper, hinder, obstruct.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
impede |
Used when something is making progress difficult or slow, often in a technical or formal context.
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hinder |
Often used in contexts where something is providing resistance or creating difficulties, more general than 'impede'.
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obstruct |
Commonly used when something physically blocks a path or view, or metaphorically when something is intentionally getting in the way.
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hamper |
Best used when something is causing inconvenience or making it difficult for someone to accomplish a task.
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delay |
Used when something is causing a postponement or slowing down a process, generally temporary or expected.
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block |
Appropriate when something is preventing passage or access entirely. Can be used literally or metaphorically.
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Examples of usage
- He was impeded by the fallen tree blocking the road.
- The bad weather impeded our journey.
- The construction work impeded the flow of traffic.
slow down progress
To impede can also mean to slow down or make progress more difficult. It is often used in the context of hindering the advancement of a project or goal.
Synonyms
delay, hamper, hinder, inhibit, obstruct.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
impede |
When something or someone causes a process or movement to slow down or stop completely.
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hinder |
When something or someone creates obstacles that make progress slow or difficult.
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obstruct |
When something or someone blocks a path or visibility, making it difficult or impossible to pass or see.
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hamper |
When something or someone makes it difficult to move freely or to get things done efficiently.
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delay |
When something or someone causes an event or action to happen later than expected or planned.
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inhibit |
When something or someone restricts or prevents a process, action, or function.
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Examples of usage
- The lack of funding impeded the research project.
- The strict regulations impeded the company's growth.
- Her injury impeded her ability to perform at her best.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In psychology, obstacles can impede personal growth and goal achievement, as people might get stuck in negative patterns.
- In physics, forces can impede motion, affecting how objects behave when informed by friction or resistance.
- Ecological studies show that certain human activities impede wildlife migration, disrupting ecosystems.
Literature
- Classic novels often feature characters whose goals are impeded by societal norms, creating tension in the storyline.
- Metaphors about impediments, like walls or barriers, are common in poetry to symbolize emotional struggles.
- In Shakespeareโs works, characters often face impediments from fate or other characters, highlighting their internal conflicts.
Everyday Life
- Traffic laws exist to minimize impediments to road safety, ensuring smoother travel.
- During meetings, interruptions can impede the flow of ideas, making it hard for everyone to contribute.
- Technology can both solve problems and impede communication, depending on its use.
Pop Culture
- In movies, heroes often face challenges that impede their journey, making their victories more rewarding.
- Video games frequently involve obstacles designed to impede players, enhancing the challenge and engagement.
- Song lyrics often touch on themes of love or ambition that can be impeded by external circumstances.
Origin of 'impede'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'impedire', which means 'to hinder or interfere'.
- The root 'ped' is related to 'foot', suggesting something is getting in the way of movement.
- Since the 15th century, it has been used in English to describe obstacles in progress.
The word 'impede' originated from the Latin word 'impedire', which means 'to entangle, shackle'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, its usage evolved to encompass the idea of hindering or obstructing progress or movement.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #11,687, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
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- 11684 covert
- 11685 pat
- 11686 dispensing
- 11687 impede
- 11688 generality
- 11689 proletariat
- 11690 evacuated
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