impede

im·pede

transitive verb \im-ˈpēd\

im·ped·edim·ped·ing

Definition of IMPEDE

: to interfere with or slow the progress of

— im·ped·er noun

Examples of IMPEDE

1. He claims that economic growth is being impeded by government regulations.
2. The soldiers could not impede the enemy's advance.

Origin of IMPEDE

Latin impedire, from in- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot

First Known Use: circa 1595

Related to IMPEDE

Synonyms

clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, hamper, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel

Antonyms

aid, assist, facilitate, help

Related Words

balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain; bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie; arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard; barricade, block, blockade, roadblock; bog (down), mire; choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate; baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart; derail, disrupt, sabotage; muzzle, repress, suppress; confine, hedge (in), hem (in)

Near Antonyms

clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop; free, liberate, release, untie; loosen, smooth; encourage, further, promote

See Synonym Discussion at hinder