Impede
/ɪmˈpiːd/
Definitions
To delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder.
/ɪmˈpiːd/
To delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them.
The lack of funding impeded the research project's completion.
💡 Simply: Think of it like this: imagine you're trying to build a tower of blocks, but your little brother keeps knocking them over. He's impeding your progress because he's getting in the way and making it harder. It's about slowing something down or blocking it.
👶 For kids: To stop something from happening or getting in the way.
More Examples
A language barrier can sometimes impede effective communication.
The snowstorm impeded travel across the mountains.
How It's Used
"The heavy traffic impeded our progress."
"The lawyer argued that the new regulations would impede economic growth."
"The defender was penalized for impeding the forward's run."
Synonyms
From Latin impedire ('to entangle, hinder'), from in- ('in, on') + pes, ped- ('foot'). Originally referred to entangling the feet, leading to obstruction.
Historically, the term often appeared in legal and military contexts, referring to obstructing movement or action.
Memory tip
Imagine a person trying to run a race with heavy weights tied to their ankles—that impedes their movement and slows them down.