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

The global condemnation of Mr. Lai’s sentence suggests that his detention will impede China’s relations with democratic countries.

From The Wall Street Journal

Other cases against protesters accused of assaulting or impeding federal officers have also fallen apart.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Essayli has boasted of charging more than 100 defendants with assaulting federal officers or impeding immigration agents, those cases are crumbling in court.

From Los Angeles Times

But, Snyder said, the ban does not impede federal officers from performing their federal functions, indicating that a revised law that remedies that discrimination may be constitutional.

From Los Angeles Times

Government programs have provided a cushion to displaced workers, but they have also impeded the transitions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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