impede

[im-peed]

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

impede

/ ɪmˈpiːd /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

"As these seaweed accumulations grow taller and more widespread, they risk blocking hatchlings entirely, draining their limited energy or leaving them stranded. Beyond impeding movement, sargassum may also reduce nesting space and alter incubation conditions."

Read more on Science Daily

Chaminda Karunaratne says cricket has been both a refuge and a way to prove that blindness cannot impede his sporting ambitions.

Read more on Barron's

These results suggest that people’s inability to save what they want, more so than an inability to spend what they want, is impeding Americans’ financial happiness right now.

Read more on MarketWatch

These results suggest that people’s inability to save what they want, more so than an inability to spend what they want, is impeding Americans’ financial happiness right now.

Read more on MarketWatch

On the whole, Americans don’t do that, largely believing that age and infirmity only matter if they impede on a person’s ability to do their job.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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