impede Definition
- 1delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder
- 2be a hindrance or obstacle to
Using impede: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "impede" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Heavy traffic impeded their journey.
Example
The mud impeded the progress of the soldiers.
Example
The new regulations will impede scientific research.
Example
The language barrier impeded communication between the two groups.
impede Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using impede
put up an impediment
to create a barrier or obstacle that makes it difficult for someone to do something
Example
The new regulations put up an impediment to the company's expansion plans.
throw up an impediment
to create a sudden obstacle or difficulty that prevents someone from doing something
Example
The unexpected weather threw up an impediment to our travel plans.
an impediment to progress
something that slows down or prevents the development or growth of something
Example
The lack of resources is an impediment to progress in the region.
Phrases with impede
Example
The lack of funding is impeding progress on the new project.
Example
The construction work is impeding traffic on the main road.
Example
The narrow bridge is impeding the flow of the river.
Origins of impede
from Latin 'impedire', meaning 'to shackle'
Summary: impede in Brief
'Impede' [imˈpiːd] means to delay, obstruct, or hinder someone or something. It can refer to physical obstacles like traffic or mud, or abstract ones like regulations or language barriers. Examples include 'Heavy traffic impeded their journey,' and 'The new regulations will impede scientific research.' Idioms like 'put up an impediment' and 'throw up an impediment' describe creating obstacles, while 'an impediment to progress' refers to anything that slows down or prevents growth.
