Impede: meaning, definitions and examples

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impede

[ɪmˈpiːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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. Bad weather can impede the construction work. The new regulations may impede innovation in some industries.
hinder	Often used in contexts where something is providing resistance or creating difficulties, more general than 'impede'. Lack of funding can hinder research progress. Injuries hindered him throughout the season.
obstruct	Commonly used when something physically blocks a path or view, or metaphorically when something is intentionally getting in the way. The large sign obstructed our view of the stage. Efforts to obstruct the investigation are illegal.
hamper	Best used when something is causing inconvenience or making it difficult for someone to accomplish a task. The heavy snow hampered rescue efforts. Her tight schedule hampered her ability to finish the project.
delay	Used when something is causing a postponement or slowing down a process, generally temporary or expected. The flight was delayed due to fog. We had to delay the meeting until next week.
block	Appropriate when something is preventing passage or access entirely. Can be used literally or metaphorically. A fallen tree blocked the road. The pop-up blocker is blocking all advertisements.

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.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

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. The heavy traffic will impede our progress to the airport. Her lack of experience may impede her success in the new role.
hinder	When something or someone creates obstacles that make progress slow or difficult. The new regulations may hinder industry growth. Being shy can hinder your social interactions.
obstruct	When something or someone blocks a path or visibility, making it difficult or impossible to pass or see. A fallen tree obstructed the road. The tall building obstructs our view of the sea.
hamper	When something or someone makes it difficult to move freely or to get things done efficiently. The poor weather hampered the rescue operation. His injuries are likely to hamper his performance.
delay	When something or someone causes an event or action to happen later than expected or planned. The flight was delayed due to bad weather. We need to delay the meeting until John arrives.
inhibit	When something or someone restricts or prevents a process, action, or function. Fear of failure can inhibit people from taking risks. Some factors in the environment can inhibit plant growth.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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 Shakespeare’s 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "impede" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impedir

🇮🇳 रोकना

🇩🇪 behindern

🇮🇩 menghalangi

🇺🇦 перешкоджати

🇵🇱 utrudniać

🇯🇵 妨げる (さまたげる)

🇫🇷 empêcher

🇪🇸 impedir

🇹🇷 engellemek

🇰🇷 방해하다 (banghaehada)

🇸🇦 يعيق

🇨🇿 bránit

🇸🇰 brániť

🇨🇳 妨碍 (fáng'ài)

🇸🇮 ovirati

🇮🇸 hindra

🇰🇿 кедергі жасау

🇬🇪 შენელება

🇦🇿 mane olmaq

🇲🇽 impedir

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.

...
11684 covert
11685 pat
11686 dispensing
11687 impede
11688 generality
11689 proletariat
11690 evacuated
...