impede

[ im-peed ]

/ ɪmˈpid /

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See synonyms for: impede / impeded / impedes / impeding on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), im·ped·ed, im·ped·ing.

to retard in movement or progress by means of obstacles or hindrances; obstruct; hinder.

OTHER WORDS FOR impede

slow, delay; check; stop, block, thwart.

See synonyms for impede on Thesaurus.com

OPPOSITES FOR impede

advance, encourage.

See antonyms for impede on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of impede

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

synonym study for impede

See prevent.

OTHER WORDS FROM impede

im·ped·er, nounim·ped·i·bil·i·ty

[im-pee-duh-bil-i-tee, -ped-uh-], /ɪmˌpi dəˈbɪl ɪ ti, -ˌpɛd ə-/, nounim·ped·i·ble, adjectiveim·ped·ing·ly, adverb

un·im·ped·ing, adjectiveun·im·ped·ing·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use impede in a sentence

As with adult goggles, you want to be sure their goggles have anti-fogging technology as fog will impede their vision and might cause accidents.
Best ski goggles: What to look for in a pair you’ll love|Eric Alt|January 20, 2021|Popular-Science
Such stands were traditionally thought to impede the rapid spread of fire, which models attribute largely to fine fuels like pine straw.
What the complex math of fire modeling tells us about the future of California’s forests|Amy Nordrum|January 18, 2021|MIT Technology Review
First observed by the late Harvard professor Clayton Christensen, the dilemma is about various internal tensions that beset big firms and impede innovation.
The Facebook antitrust suit is a major assault on entrepreneurs|matthewheimer|January 4, 2021|Fortune
The heat bonds the silica molecules tightly together, making the glass dense and free of impurities that might impede its ability to transmit light.
An inside look at how fiber optic glass is made|Stan Horaczek|December 24, 2020|Popular-Science

On Sunday, US Surgeon General Jerome Adams said on CBS News’s Face the Nation that there are “no indications” the new variant will impede US vaccination efforts.
The UK is spooking everyone with its new covid-19 strain. Here’s what scientists know.|Niall Firth|December 21, 2020|MIT Technology Review
The thumbs-up, thumbs-down nature of politics and media impedes our collective ability to cogently address what is going on.
Jobs Report Shows Unemployment Steady, but There’s Underlying Trouble|Zachary Karabell|March 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST
It is erroneous, insulting to the mostly well-meaning officers in this country, and impedes constructive discussion, and change.
Are We All Racial Profilers?|Lorie Fridell|July 29, 2009|DAILY BEAST
I love it when art makes you walk differently or plan your route or somehow impedes you.
The Biennale's Best|Paul Laster, Bettina Von Hase|June 18, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Self-knowledge helps us investigate; willful denial impedes investigation.
Why Obama Should Hire Eliot Spitzer|Justin Frank|April 6, 2009|DAILY BEAST
He sees only the images of the clouds, no branch but that which impedes him or offers cover to his stealthy approach.
In New England Fields and Woods|Rowland E. Robinson
This fight of humanity cannot be other than directed against something that impedes the sensation of life.
mile Verhaeren|Stefan Zweig
He assists her with his arm, seeing that the length of her robe impedes her movements.
The Executioner's Knife|Eugne Sue
The too rigid application of truth is hurtful to beauty, and preoccupation with beauty impedes truth.
Bouvard and Pcuchet|Gustave Flaubert
When an ovarian tumour is discovered during labour and it impedes delivery, ovariotomy should be performed.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)|Various

British Dictionary definitions for impede

impede

/ (ɪmˈpiːd) /

verb

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

Derived forms of impede

impeder, nounimpedingly, adverb

Word Origin for impede

C17: from Latin impedīre to hinder, literally: shackle the feet, from pēs foot

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

impede

OTHER WORDS FOR impede

OPPOSITES FOR impede

Origin of impede

synonym study for impede

OTHER WORDS FROM impede

Words related to impede

How to use impede in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for impede

Derived forms of impede

Word Origin for impede