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.

Nearby words

Origin of impede

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

SYNONYMS FOR impede

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

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ANTONYMS FOR impede

advance, encourage.

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Related forms

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

Synonym study

See prevent.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for 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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
The Proclamation delivered any one impeding that attempt into the hands of the military authorities without trial.
Lincoln|Nathaniel Wright Stephenson

It was caused by the blowing up of the Colenso bridge, for the purpose of impeding our possible advance.
South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 2 (of 6)|Louis Creswicke
Over all its thousand-mile spread were the radiant Wandl gravity-beams, disturbing and impeding the course of Grantline's ships.
Wandl the Invader|Raymond King Cummings
For God Himself had been made imperfect by the impeding of His moral purpose.
Dreamers of the Ghetto|I. Zangwill
The big stones, impeding the flow, had around them a cushion of water, a sort of cravat ending in a knot of foam.
The works of Guy de Maupassant, Vol. 5 (of 8)|Guy de Maupassant 1850-1893

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.

impede

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

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Origin of impede

Synonym study

Examples from the Web for impeding

impede

verb

Word Origin for impede

impede