impede

[ im-peed ]

verb (used with object)

, im·ped·ed, im·ped·ing.

1. to retard in movement or progress by means of obstacles or hindrances; obstruct; hinder.

   Synonyms: thwart, block, stop, check, delay, slow

   Antonyms: encourage, advance

impede

/ ɪmˈpiːd /

verb

1. tr to restrict or retard in action, progress, etc; hinder; obstruct

Derived Forms

• imˈpedingly, adverb
• imˈpeder, noun

Other Words From

• im·ped·er noun
• im·ped·i·bil·i·ty [im-pee-d, uh, -, bil, -i-tee, -ped-, uh, -], noun
• im·ped·i·ble adjective
• im·ped·ing·ly adverb
• un·im·ped·ing adjective
• un·im·ped·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of impede¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin impedīre “to entangle,” literally, “to snare the feet”; im- ¹, pedi- ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of impede¹

C17: from Latin impedīre to hinder, literally: shackle the feet, from pēs foot

Synonym Study

See prevent.

Example Sentences

Will Bridgegate impede Chris Christie's chances of seeking higher office?

From The Daily Beast

If following this diet stresses you out or interferes with your sleep patterns, it could also impede weight loss.

From The Daily Beast

Moreover, they have been allowed to impede the realization of a crucial American national security interest.

From The Daily Beast

That record will also severely impede his effectiveness in his portfolio.

From The Daily Beast

Raise the rates, and you impede efficiency-enhancing transactions - and thereby harm everybody's economic welfare.

From The Daily Beast

Many persons impede their execution by not keeping the thumb independent enough of the rest of the hand.

From Project Gutenberg

This mob of men and boys were good-natured, but very curious, and it gathered so close as to impede the progress of the ponies.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence the furrows are not ploughed close together, for the roots when crowded impede the sprouting of the plant.

From Project Gutenberg

All along the journey little absolutely unnecessary villages kept bobbing up to impede the progress of the train.

From Project Gutenberg

But you could do no good with so few men—they are more than ten to one, I hear—and your men would but impede us.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• block
• curb
• cut off
• delay
• deter
• disrupt
• hamper
• interfere
• retard
• slow
• stymie
• thwart