Impedir (en. Prevent)
/im-pe-ˈdir/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishSpanish
verb
To make something not happen or not be carried out.
The bad weather prevented us from going on the trip.
El mal tiempo impidió que saliéramos de viaje.
To obstruct the advancement or progress of someone or something.
The lack of resources is preventing the development of the community.
La falta de recursos está impidiendo el desarrollo de la comunidad.
To create inconveniences for carrying out an action.
Delays in the delivery of materials prevented finishing the work on time.
Los retrasos en la entrega de materiales impidieron terminar la obra a tiempo.
To prohibit or prevent something from being carried out.
The regulations prevent construction in that area.
La normativa impide la construcción en esa zona.
Etymology
From the Latin 'impedīre', which means 'to complicate'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
not to prevent that
Allowing something to happen.
no impedir que
to block the way
Making it difficult to transit or access a place.
impedir el paso
to prevent someone from doing something
Hindering another person's action.
impedir que alguien haga algo
Related Words
impediment
An obstacle that makes it difficult or prevents an action.
impedimento
obstacle
Anything that impedes or hinders movement or the execution of something.
obstáculo
prohibition
The action of prohibiting something.
prohibición
Slang Meanings
To effectively stop something.
That comment managed to prevent all conversation.
Ese comentario logró impedir toda conversación.
To create an obstacle without being obvious.
The boss always finds a way to prevent his employees' promotion.
El jefe siempre encuentra una forma de impedir el ascenso de sus empleados.