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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

impede

Verb

IPA /ɪmˈpiːd/

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Meaning in plain English

To obstruct or slow the progress of something.

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Pronunciation

impede/ɪmˈpiːd/

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  1. Traffic normally moves along a road

  2. A fallen branch blocks part of the route

  3. Progress becomes slower or stops

To impede progress is to obstruct or delay it.

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  1. A fallen branch impeded traffic on the narrow road.
  2. Frequent equipment failures impeded the team's research.

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To obstruct or slow the progress of something.
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impede — To obstruct or slow the progress of something.

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To obstruct or slow the progress of something.

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Word origin

From Latin impedire, originally meaning to shackle the feet, related to pes, meaning foot.

Did you know?

Impede can describe physical obstacles or less visible barriers to progress.

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impede

/ɪmˈpiːd/ (Verb)

“This formal verb takes a direct object: impede progress. It does not require from after the verb.”

englishskillstudio.com