impede

verb

im·​pede im-ˈpēd 

impeded; impeding

transitive verb

: to interfere with or slow the progress of

impeder noun

Synonyms of impede

• hinder
• hamper
• obstruct
• embarrass

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

Basic and translational research has identified numerous biological mechanisms — genetic susceptibility, appetite-regulation pathways, neuroendocrine processes, metabolic adaptation — that contribute to weight gain and impede its loss. — Max Moser, STAT, 9 July 2026

The United Nations Environment Programme warns that disaster waste can impede reconstruction, threaten public health, and cause additional environmental harm when disposal decisions are rushed. — Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

According to Benjamin, painting will likely impede the moving parts. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Ensure that construction vehicles do not block or impede your neighbors' driveways. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 5 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1595, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for impede

• accede
• agreed
• airspeed
• alkyd
• bindweed
• chickweed
• concede
• decreed
• duckweed
• exceed
• flaxseed
• indeed

Kids Definition

impede

verb

im·​pede im-ˈpēd 

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