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Impeding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impeding

[ɪmˈpiːdɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

obstacle

Delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder.

Synonyms

block, delay, hamper, hinder, obstruct.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impeding

Use this word when something is causing a slowdown or making progress difficult.

  • The heavy snow is impeding traffic.
hinder

This word fits when something is making progress slow or difficult, often used in formal contexts.

  • Lack of resources can hinder scientific research.
obstruct

Best for when something is blocking the way or view, often physical objects.

  • The parked car obstructed the entrance.
hamper

Use when something is restricting movement or progress, often in a bothersome way.

  • The tight dress hampered her ability to walk.
block

This word is suitable when something is completely stopping progress or access.

  • A fallen tree is blocking the road.
delay

Appropriate for situations where there is a postponement or a wait.

  • The flight was delayed by an hour.

Examples of usage

  • Bad weather impeded their progress.
  • The rough terrain impeded the army's advance.
  • The construction work is impeding traffic flow.
Context #2 | Verb

progress

Cause delay or interruption in the progress of something.

Synonyms

delay, hamper, hinder, interfere with, slow down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impeding

Used when something is causing an obstacle or blockage that prevents progress.

  • The fallen tree was impeding traffic
  • His poor health was impeding his ability to finish the project
hinder

Used when something is actively making it difficult to do something.

  • Lack of resources can hinder scientific research
  • His constant interruptions hinder our progress
delay

Used when there is a postponement or slower-than-expected timeline.

  • The flight was delayed due to bad weather
  • The meeting will be delayed by 30 minutes
slow down

Used when the speed of progress is being reduced.

  • Economic difficulties can slow down business growth
  • The car slowed down as it approached the traffic lights
hamper

Used when progress or free movement is being made difficult, usually subtly or indirectly.

  • Heavy rain hampered the construction work
  • She was hampered by her lack of experience
interfere with

Used when an external action causes disruption or interruption of normal functioning.

  • Noise can interfere with concentration
  • The weather is likely to interfere with our plans

Examples of usage

  • A lack of funding is impeding the research project.
  • The strike is impeding the negotiations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, impeding can be related to cognitive processes that block problem-solving or creativity.
  • Emotions like fear or anxiety can impede decision-making, making it hard to act.
  • Research shows that overthinking can impede action, causing individuals to feel stuck.

Law

  • In legal contexts, actions that impede a process can lead to charges; such as impeding justice.
  • Transfer of property rights can be impeded by legal obstacles like zoning laws.
  • Impediments to contracts can include fraud or misrepresentation, affecting legally binding agreements.

Science

  • In environmental science, development can impede natural habitats, affecting wildlife populations.
  • In physics, forces that impede motion are known as resistive forces, like friction.
  • Impeding factors are studied in biology, where certain conditions can prevent cell division.

Project Management

  • In project management, impediments are obstacles that prevent teams from reaching their goals.
  • Identifying and removing impediments is crucial for successful team dynamics.
  • Agile methodologies focus on recognizing impediments early so they can be addressed quickly.

Origin of 'impeding'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'impedire', which means to 'hinder' or 'catch in the foot'.
  • It is formed by the prefix 'im-' meaning 'not' and 'ped' relating to 'foot', suggesting blocking movement.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 15th century to describe obstacles.

The word 'impeding' originated from the Latin word 'impedire', which means 'to entangle' or 'to shackle'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century with the meaning of obstructing or hindering progress. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass various forms of delay and interruption. The concept of impeding has been prevalent in human history, as obstacles and challenges often impede the path to success.

See also: impedance, impeded, impediment, unimpeded.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,813, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.