impede

verb

im·pede im-ˈpēd

impeded; impeding

Synonyms of impede next

transitive verb

: to interfere with or slow the progress of

impeder noun

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

Example Sentences

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 Tate is among more than 350 individuals who have been charged specifically with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. —

Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 30 Aug. 2023 He has been suspected of impeding the FBI's investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders as other law enforcement officials have accused him of blocking his department's cooperation. —

USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2023 Brian pleaded not guilty to all charges, including murder and improper disposal of a body, as well as a previous charge of impeding a police investigation. —

Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 23 Aug. 2023 Keeping a rug near your bed, like our tester, further impedes the bin’s movement. —

Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 17 Aug. 2023 The San Francisco Police Officers Association, San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association and the San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798 all wrote letters to the CPUC expressing concerns that autonomous vehicles could impede emergency responders. —

Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 14 Aug. 2023 With no arms to impede, the pieces can fit where sofas can’t, adding a lap of comfort and a trim profile. —

Sophie Donelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2023 Aside from the safety claims, Waymo will also have to work hard to avoid embarrassing incidents like in San Francisco, where its vehicles have been blamed for blocking traffic, impeding public transit, and stumbling into emergencies. —

Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 3 Aug. 2023 More than 350 people have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. —

Alanna Durkin Richer The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 19 Aug. 2023 See More

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

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

First Known Use

circa 1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of impede was circa 1595

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Impede.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impede. Accessed 12 Sep. 2023.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition