impede

im·pede

verb \im-ˈpēd\

im·ped·edim·ped·ing

Definition of IMPEDE

transitive verb

: 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

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See Synonym Discussion at hinder