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verb

empêcher

/ɑ̃.pɛ.ʃe/

See full conjugation →
verb/ɑ̃.pɛ.ʃe/

to stop; to prevent; to hinder; to refrain

L'éternel recommencement, l'imitation servile des styles anciens empêchent toute conception originale.The eternal cycle of repetition and the slavish imitation of ancient styles preclude any original conception.

Synonyms: se retenir de

Inherited from Old French empeechier, inherited from Latin impedicāre. Cognate with English impeach. Doublet of empiéger.