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

A misdemeanor assault case against Brayan Ramos-Brito was the first to go to trial after dozens of people were accused of impeding or attacking federal agents during protests against immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

The spokesperson said the owner of the car wash “impeded the operation and was arrested for assaulting and impeding a federal officer.”

From Los Angeles Times

At other times, progress is impeded by internal barriers: “Waiting for That Day” interpolates the Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and features the lyric, “Something in me needs this pain.”

From Salon

“After examining this incident, we learned that our safety system designed to predict pedestrians’ intentions and yield right of way instead caused the robot to impede their way,” the company stated.

From Los Angeles Times

This is partly due to the leaderless nature of these demonstrations, which on the one hand helps protesters evade clampdowns - but also impedes long-term decision-making.

From BBC

Related Words

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