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impediment
noun
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Impediment comes from a Latin verb that meant "to interfere with" or "to get in the way of progress", as if by tripping up the feet of someone walking. In English, impediment still suggests an obstruction or obstacle along a path; for example, a lack of adequate roads and bridges would be called an impediment to economic development. Impediments usually get in the way of something we want. So we may speak of an impediment to communication, marriage, or progress--but something that slows the progress of aging, disease, or decay is rarely called an impediment.
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Examples of impediment in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impediment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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Cite this Entry
“Impediment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impediment. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
impediment
nounMedical Definition
impediment
nounLegal Definition
impediment
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on impediment
Nglish: Translation of impediment for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of impediment for Arabic Speakers
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