empêchés

In a sentence

• Ils se sont empêchés de rire pour ne pas créer de confusion.

  They refrained from laughing to avoid creating confusion.

  In this sentence, "empêchés" is used reflexively, meaning that they prevented themselves from taking a specific action, showing intentional restraint.

• Les travaux sur la route nous ont empêchés d'arriver à l'heure.

  The roadwork prevented us from arriving on time.

  Here, "empêchés" refers to an external factor that prevented the subjects from achieving their intention, showcasing an obstacle imposed by circumstances.

• Malheureusement, ils sont empêchés et ne peuvent pas participer à la réunion.

  Unfortunately, they are hindered and cannot attend the meeting.

  In this context, "empêchés" suggests that the subjects are hindered or unable to participate due to unspecified reasons, emphasizing an external limitation affecting their ability to act.