impeding

Everyday

1. Impeding means getting in the way of something and slowing it down or making it harder. tree →
2. (sport, UK) Impeding is a rule-break in football or hockey where a player blocks an opponent without playing the ball. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, «impeding traffic» means blocking the road. In science and safety, a blocked exit impedes escape in a fire, so keep fire exits clear. In sport, a referee may give a free kick for impeding. In news, «impeding the investigation» means making a police search harder. It is formal; everyday words are «blocking» or «holding up».

Examples

• A fallen tree was impeding the traffic. tree →
• Do not leave bags in the corridor impeding the fire exit. tree →
• The referee gave a free kick for impeding. tree →
• The mud was impeding our progress up the hill. tree →
• He was arrested for impeding a police officer. tree →
• Fear can stop you, impeding your learning. tree →

Note

The -ing form of «impede». Formal. Not the same as «impending», which means about to happen (an impending storm) — a common confusion.