Vocabulary in context
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Impede
To block; to obstruct
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Imagine This
When the stampede of the elephants went through the African village, it blocked the way people used to travel until the elephants left.
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Sounds Like
Stampede (race)
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Looks Like
Impeded, impediment (similar root); looks like the noun impediment
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Remember This
Impeded is closely related to impediment; 'impede' is the verb; 'impediment' is the noun for an obstacle.
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Other Forms
Impedancenoun
Impedimentnoun
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Connect With
hinder, obstruct, hamper, inhibit, thwart, delay
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Note
Note: Impede means to hinder the progress of something or someone; it does not imply a complete stoppage, but slows or blocks progress. Do not confuse with 'prevent' which often implies stopping something from happening entirely.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The fallen tree impeded the road, delaying travelers.
- Bureaucratic delays impeded the project's progress.
Synonyms
hinderobstructhamperinhibitthwartdelay
Antonyms
aidfacilitateexpedite
Etymology
From Latin impedire 'to hinder, shackle', from in- 'in' + pes/ped 'foot' (to pin down the feet).
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: IMPEDE — Inhibit Movement; Prevent Easy Departure.
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Credible
adjectiveCapable of being believed; believable or trustworthy enough to be accepted as true.
Martinet
nounA person who imposes strict discipline and demands obedience to orders; a very strict disciplinarian
Bombastic
adjectivePompous, inflated, and showy in language or style, often with little real substance.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Hamper
verbTo hinder or impede movement, progress, or action; to prevent someone or something from moving freely.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
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