impede
What does "impede" mean?
To impede means to delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them. Think of the image of a heavy, tangled net thrown across a path that makes it difficult for a traveler to keep moving forward at their normal pace. This word is typically used in formal contexts to describe physical or abstract obstacles, such as progress, development, or movement. It is often found in news reports, legal documents, or academic writing, and it typically collocates with nouns like "progress," "ability," or "efforts."
"impede" in conversation
Work project delay
The supply chain issues are really impeding our progress on the new prototype.
The supply chain issues are really impeding our progress on the new prototype.
I know, it’s frustrating. We might have to push back the launch date.
I know, it’s frustrating. We might have to push back the launch date.
Used to explain why a goal cannot be reached on time.
Traffic incident
Please move your vehicle, sir; you are impeding the flow of traffic.
Please move your vehicle, sir; you are impeding the flow of traffic.
I'm sorry, officer, my car just stalled out of nowhere.
I'm sorry, officer, my car just stalled out of nowhere.
Used in a formal or authoritative tone to describe physical obstruction.
"impede" in a sentence
Strong winds impeded the hikers' climb to the summit.
Strong winds impeded the hikers' climb to the summit.
Lack of funding continues to impede the development of the new research facility.
Lack of funding continues to impede the development of the new research facility.
The complex bureaucracy served only to impede the implementation of the reform policies.
The complex bureaucracy served only to impede the implementation of the reform policies.
