Word
impede
Phoneticsim·pede, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpid/
UK/ɪmpˈiːd/
Definition
v. to slow something down or make it difficult for someone to move or make progress.
v. to delay or block the progress or movement of something by creating obstacles. Transitive; requires a direct object.
Examples
“The heavy rain will impede our travel plans today.”
“Strict government regulations can sometimes impede the growth of small businesses by increasing their administrative costs.”
“The investigation was significantly impeded by a lack of cooperation from key witnesses and the accidental destruction of several crucial documents.”
Examples
simple
“The heavy rain will impede our travel plans today.”
contextual
“Strict government regulations can sometimes impede the growth of small businesses by increasing their administrative costs.”
complex
“The investigation was significantly impeded by a lack of cooperation from key witnesses and the accidental destruction of several crucial documents.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “impede” in context.
Verb
01. impede development
“A lack of access to clean water can severely impede development in rural communities.”
verb + noun
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; often used in passive constructions.
Pitfall
The traffic impeded to our arrival.
The traffic impeded our arrival.
Impede is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'to' before its object.
Real-World Examples
“Access to the carparks was also impeded, leaving people with parked cars unable to access them.” “They’re also evidence of how climate change isn’t just changing the environments we all live in, but also impeding our ability to connect with one another.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin impediō (“to shackle”), from pēs (“foot”) (compare pedestrian). First attested use as a verb was in William Shakespeare's Macbeth, see quotations.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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