Definition
To impede is to slow something that is trying to move. The Latin impedire meant 'to shackle the feet' — im- on, pes foot — and the image still fits: what impedes does not destroy or forbid; it ties weights to every step. Bad weather impedes a rescue, bureaucracy impedes innovation, an injury impedes recovery. The destination usually stays reachable — impeding steals time and effort, not the goal itself, which is what separates it from 'prevent'.
Examples
- Heavy regulations can impede innovation in small companies.
- Deep snow impeded the rescue team's progress up the mountain.
- A chronic lack of funding has impeded research into rare diseases.
Collocations
impede progress·impede growth·seriously impede·impede the flow of·impede access to
Synonyms
hinder·obstruct·hamper·slow·encumber
Antonyms
facilitate·expedite·accelerate
Word family
impediment (noun)
In TOEFL & IELTS
A classic TOEFL passage verb for factors that slow development, migration, or learning — questions often paraphrase it as 'hinder' or 'slow down'. In IELTS Writing Task 2, 'excessive bureaucracy impedes innovation' is a high-band cause clause. The noun is 'impediment' (as in 'a speech impediment'). Learn it as the precise opposite of 'facilitate' — exam writers love testing that pair.