impede

[im-peed]

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

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

Origin of impede

1595–1605; < Latin impedīre to entangle, literally, to snare the feet. See im-¹, pedi-

Related formsim·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, adverbun·im·ped·ed, adjectiveun·im·ped·ing, adjectiveun·im·ped·ing·ly, adverb

Synonyms for impede

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

Synonym study

See prevent.

Antonyms for impede

advance, encourage.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for impeding

retard, slow, thwart, stymie, deter, delay, curb, interfere, disrupt, hamper, block, discomfit, clog, bar, rattle, dam, stop, stonewall, freeze, faze

Examples from the Web for impeding

Contemporary Examples of impeding

Just recently, a march on the Ferguson police station ended with protestors quickly arrested for impeding traffic.
Ferguson Tensions in Black and White
Seth Ferranti
November 21, 2014
The issue is making sure every ballot cast is counted, not impeding the individual freedom to fill out a form.
Nightmare Scenario—Ohio’s Provisional Ballots May Be 2012’s Hanging Chads
John Avlon
November 6, 2012
In fact, the myth itself is potentially a greater danger—prone to impeding efforts when help is needed most.
What Haiti Can Teach Us About the Storm
Jonathan M. Katz
October 30, 2012

Historical Examples of impeding

For God Himself had been made imperfect by the impeding of His moral purpose.
Dreamers of the Ghetto
I. Zangwill
The wounded were increasing in number, impeding their retreat.
Daughters of the Revolution and Their Times
Charles Carleton Coffin
There was no crowding or impeding haste in their dumb exodus.
The Three Partners
Bret Harte
It seemed to me, legions of dark forms were impeding my steps.
Love After Marriage; and Other Stories of the Heart
Caroline Lee Hentz
But if Thurso was not told, there would be none of this impeding counteraction.
The House of Defence v. 1
E. F. Benson

British Dictionary definitions for impeding

impede

verb

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

Derived Formsimpeder, 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

Word Origin and History for impeding

impede

c.1600, back-formation from impediment, or else from Latin impedire "impede, be in the way, hinder, detain," literally "to shackle the feet" (see impediment). Related: Impeded; impedes; impeding.