impede

American

[im-peed] / ɪmˈpid /

verb (used with object)

impeded, impeding

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 British

/ ɪmˈpiːd /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But for Day, the recommendations are frustrating and impede his independence.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 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 nothing to impede them this time, and Malcolm brought the canoe into a side street away from the main flood, where it was a little quieter.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023