impede etymology

Etymology

  • Latin: impedīre "to entangle, obstruct, hinder"
  • Proto-Indo-European: *ped- "foot"

Meaning

  • To hinder or obstruct the progress or action of something
  • To make it difficult or impossible for something to happen
  • To prevent or block something

Origin

The word "impede" ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *ped-, meaning "foot." This root is also found in other English words related to the foot, such as "pedal," "pedestrian," and "pedicure."

In Latin, the word impedīre was used to describe the act of entangling or obstructing someone's feet. Over time, the meaning of the word broadened to include any kind of hindrance or obstruction.

Usage

"Impede" is a formal word that is often used in academic or professional writing. It is used to describe obstacles or barriers that prevent something from happening or progressing.

Examples

  • The heavy rain impeded our progress on the hike.
  • The strict dress code impedes the students' ability to express themselves.
  • The government's new regulations impede the growth of small businesses.

impede relate terms

  • impediment

    Etymology Latin impedimentum hindrance obstacle Proto Indo European ped foot

  • impedance

    Etymology Latin impedire meaning to hinder obstruct Meaning In physics and

  • impede

    Etymology Latin impedīre to entangle obstruct hinder Proto Indo European ped f

  • hinder

    Etymology The word hinder comes from the Old English word hindrian meaning to obst

  • obstruct

    Etymology The word obstruct comes from the Latin word obstruere which means to bloc

  • impeach

    Etymology The word impeach originates from Old French empeechier and dates back to th

  • hobble

    Etymology Middle English Middle English hobbele n to limp walk awkwardly from a b

  • sargasso

    Etymology Sargasso is derived from the Portuguese word sargaço meaning seaweed M

  • post

    Etymology From Middle English post from Anglo Norman and Old French post from Latin p

  • spot

    Etymology The word spot traces its origins back to Old English OE specifically to t

  • stop

    Etymology The word stop comes from the Middle English word stoppen which itself deri