[with obj.]delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder 妨碍,阻碍,阻止 the sap causes swelling which can impede breathing. 这种体液引起肿胀,能阻碍呼吸。
语源
late 16th cent.: from Latin impedire 'shackle the feet of', based on pes, ped- 'foot'. Compare with impeach