# impede

/ˌɪmˈpid/ (US) · /ɪmpˈiːd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/impede
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to slow something down or make it difficult for someone to move or make progress.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The traffic impeded to our arrival." but "The traffic impeded our arrival." — Impede is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'to' before its object.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; often used in passive constructions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.