Impede: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：hinder or obstruct (impede)

impede 🔊

/ɪmˈpiːd/

vt.

To slow down or stop something from happening or moving forward, like putting a barrier in the way.

Impede definition illustrated by a person blocked by a fallen tree on a path

hinder or obstruct 🔊

➕

/ˈhaɪn.dər ɔːr əbˈstrʌkt/

vt.

To create difficulties that slow down or prevent the progress, movement, or completion of something.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'impedīre', meaning 'to entangle the feet' (in- 'in' + pēs 'foot').

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'I'm in a speed' but an obstacle (the 'IM' from impede) gets in your feet, slowing you down.

📖 Example

The heavy rain impeded our plan to hike in the mountains, so we decided to visit a museum instead. 🔊 The severe weather conditions hindered our planned mountain excursion, leading us to choose an indoor cultural activity.

🔗 Collocations

impede progress – to slow down or stop advancement or development

impede the flow – to obstruct the smooth movement or passage of something

🔄 Synonyms

hinder (vt.) – To create difficulties that result in delay or obstruction.

obstruct (vt.) – To block or get in the way of something.

🚫 Antonyms

facilitate (vt.) – To make an action or process easier.

promote (vt.) – To support and encourage the progress or development of something.

🌱 Derivatives

impediment (n.) – A hindrance or obstruction in doing something.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'impedire', literally 'to shackle the feet'. This vivid image of entangling someone's feet to stop their progress evolved into its modern meaning of causing obstruction or delay, widely used in formal contexts like law, policy, and technical reports.