impede

verb

im·​pede im-ˈpēd How to pronounce impede (audio)
impeded; impeding

transitive verb

: to interfere with or slow the progress of
impeder noun
Choose the Right Synonym for impede

hinder, impede, obstruct, block mean to interfere with the activity or progress of.

hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.

rain hindered the climb

impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.

tight clothing that impedes movement

obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.

the view was obstructed by billboards

block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.

a landslide blocked the road

Examples of impede in a Sentence

He claims that economic growth is being impeded by government regulations. The soldiers could not impede the enemy's advance.
Recent Examples on the Web Consider that Wilson’s contract — heavier than a cargo plane that transports space shuttles — will impede Denver’s attempts to build up a bad roster for two more years. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 That applies to anyone who acted as a driver, passenger or organizer; operated a motor vehicle for the purpose of filming the event; used their car to carry fuel for the purposes of fueling cars in the event or in some way impeded traffic. Alyssa Johnson, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 The resource investment needed for infrastructure maintenance and technical training is usually high, which can impede a business’ ability to adapt quickly and stay ahead of the competition. Ed MacOsky, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Those jailed were charged with impeding traffic, inciting a riot and assaulting a police officer. Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2024 Both owners of the respective properties say the VTA has impeded economic opportunities and business prospects for their separate ventures. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 Counties blocking solar power are nearly equal to counties adding it USA TODAY's analysis, backed by energy and academic experts, gauges which counties have effectively blocked or impeded new utility-scale wind and solar power. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 Earlier in February, the US Treasury rolled out a new package of sanctions against ships and companies suspected of helping move Russian crude in violation of US sanctions, in a bid to impede the functioning of Russia’s shadow fleet. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 19 Feb. 2024 High doses of vitamin C actually impedes the absorption of B12. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 19 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impede.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impede was circa 1595

Dictionary Entries Near impede

Cite this Entry

“Impede.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impede. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impede

verb
im·​pede im-ˈpēd How to pronounce impede (audio)
impeded; impeding
: to interfere with the movement or progress of
impeder noun
Etymology

from Latin impedire "to hinder, get in the way of," literally, "to bind or hold the feet of," derived from im-, in- "in, into" and ped-, pes "foot" — related to pedestrian

More from Merriam-Webster on impede

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