impede

verb

im·pede | \im-ˈpēd

impeded; impeding

Definition of impede

transitive verb

: to interfere with or slow the progress of

Other Words from impede Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about impede

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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

Most notably, Trump has imposed tariffs that could impede international trade, and has spurned historic military allies while cozying up to Russia. — Jonathan Tamari, Philly.com, "For traditional Republicans, immigration, tariffs show risks of 'silent bargain' with Trump," 25 June 2018 The ad singles out Pruitt’s decision to deny a petition to ban the agricultural use of the insecticide chlorpyrifos after the EPA’s own scientists concluded that exposure impedes brain development in infants and fetuses. — Dino Grandoni, Washington Post, "The Energy 202: NAACP joins environmental groups in calling for Scott Pruitt's ouster," 18 Apr. 2018 Polomsky said the project also could impede normal and orderly development of surrounding properties. — Graydon Megan, chicagotribune.com, "Only two neighbors protest final vote on Elmhurst nursing home expansion," 3 Apr. 2018 Vision 2030’ strategy for his country aims to change this: diversify the economy, end the dependence on hydrocarbons, and remove some of the ultra-conservative social norms which impede development. — Jonathan Spyer, The New Republic, "What a Crown Prince Wants," 20 Mar. 2018 Business leaders and landowners accused Mr. Tompkins of impeding economic development. — Pascale Bonnefoy, New York Times, "With 10 Million Acres in Patagonia, a National Park System Is Born," 19 Feb. 2018 The 12-count indictment, handed up Tuesday (May 1) in U.S. District Court in New Orleans, charges Carlos Alberto Zelaya Rojas, 47, with money laundering, impeding an investigation and perjury. — Wilborn P. Nobles Iii, NOLA.com, "Missing Mississippi teen is possibly with former teacher accused of sex crime: report," 2 May 2018 On the other hand, none of that appears to be impeding their growth in size and prominence. — Abraham Riesman, Daily Intelligencer, "Can the young activists of IfNotNow change the conversation about Israel and the Palestinians, or will their contradictions hold them back?," 12 July 2018 High humidity is impeding radio transmissions Tuesday among three New Jersey data centers where U.S. stocks trade, according to a note Nasdaq Inc. sent customers. — Fortune, "This Heat Wave's So Bad It's Even Slowing Down U.S. Stock Trades," 3 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impede.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.