impede

[im-peed]

See more synonyms for impede 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.

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

See more synonyms for impede on Thesaurus.com

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

Synonym study

See prevent.

Antonyms

advance, encourage.

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

Examples from the Web for impeding

Contemporary Examples

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

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

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

v.

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

Origin of .css-1fxfie5{font-size:22px;}@media (max-width:768px){.css-1fxfie5{font-size:18px;margin:0 10px 10px 0;word-break:break-all;word-wrap:break-word;-webkit-hyphens:auto;-moz-hyphens:auto;-ms-hyphens:auto;hyphens:auto;line-height:22px;}}impede

Synonyms

Synonym study

Antonyms

Examples from the Web for impeding

Contemporary Examples

Just recently, a march on the Ferguson police station ended with protestors quickly arrested for impeding traffic.

The issue is making sure every ballot cast is counted, not impeding the individual freedom to fill out a form.

In fact, the myth itself is potentially a greater danger—prone to impeding efforts when help is needed most.

Historical Examples

For God Himself had been made imperfect by the impeding of His moral purpose.

The wounded were increasing in number, impeding their retreat.

There was no crowding or impeding haste in their dumb exodus.

It seemed to me, legions of dark forms were impeding my steps.

But if Thurso was not told, there would be none of this impeding counteraction.

impede

Word Origin

Word Origin and History for impeding

impede

v.

Origin of impede