impede

American  

[im-peed] / ɪmˈpid /

verb (used with object)

impeded, impeding

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

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impede British  

/ ɪmˈpiːd /

verb

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

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Related Words

See prevent.

Other Word Forms

• impeder noun
• impedibility noun
• impedible adjective
• impedingly adverb
• unimpeding adjective
• unimpedingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of impede

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

Example Sentences

She also urged the public to "allow the judicial process to continue without any speculation" that could impede the "pursuit of justice for all those affected".

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Often, they’re the same thing, like Byrne’s stiff blonde wig or her set of fake teeth that impede several lines of dialogue to hysterical results.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

The flight of an estimated 8 million Venezuelans, many educated and technically-skilled in engineering, health, business and information systems, will also impede the country’s recovery.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

“I did not resist, I did not impede or assault any agent,” Retes said.”What happened to me that day was not a misunderstanding.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2026

There was no guardrail, because the High Blade wanted nothing to impede his view of his domain.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

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