impassible

1 of 2

adjective (1)

im·​pas·​si·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈpa-sə-bəl How to pronounce impassible (audio)
1
a
: incapable of suffering or of experiencing pain
b
: inaccessible to injury
2
: incapable of feeling : impassive
impassibility noun
impassibly adverb

impassible

2 of 2

adjective (2)

im·​pas·​si·​ble

less common spelling of impassable

: incapable of being passed, traveled, crossed, or surmounted

Examples of impassible in a Sentence

Adjective (1) years of living behind bars had rendered him impassible
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
It’s been virtually cut off from the outside world because of impassible roads. Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik, Quartz, 30 Sep. 2024 As of Sunday evening, barrier islands were still without power, and many roads remain impassible, county officials said. Kathryn Varn, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024 All roads in the region should be considered closed, and interstate freeways are impassible in multiple locations. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 28 Sep. 2024 Police and fire crews assisted in the dismissal as some routes to the school were open but others were impassible due to the flooding with roads under 3 feet of water. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impassible 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impassible.' 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

Adjective (1)

Middle English, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin impassibilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin passibilis passible

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of impassible was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near impassible

Cite this Entry

“Impassible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impassible. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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