Definition of IMPEDE

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 of impede from the Web

Officers charged him with operating a vehicle while impaired and impeding traffic.

— bruce geiselman, cleveland.com, "North Olmsted police investigate car theft: police blotter", 3 June 2017
Councilman Tim Lindecamp, one of three members who voted for the charter amendment when it was approved, 3-2, at the May 8 council meeting, says a split on the council impedes getting things done.

— erika butler, The Aegis, "Differences over charter changes reflect divide in Aberdeen", 2 June 2017
The states are not suggesting it's crest be impeded or even altered in any form.

— bill monroe, OregonLive.com, "Willamette salmon fishing continues "until further notice"", 31 May 2017
The law does that by impeding the governor’s ability to appoint, fire and supervise a team to get things done.

— emery p. dalesio, The Seattle Times, "Judges weigh law cutting governor’s elections oversight role", 29 May 2017
While up to 90 percent of Marawi's people have fled amid the fighting, many who were trapped or refused to leave their homes have impeded military assaults, officials said.

— Bloomberg.com, "Philippine Forces Hit Militants; Civilians Wave White Flags", 27 May 2017
For instance, the trucks could not operate within 500 feet of the front door of a brick and mortar restaurant and could not be parked in a location that impedes vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

— kim chatelain, NOLA.com, "Tighter food truck regulations sought in Mandeville", 26 May 2017
Denise Streeter, 43, of the 900 block of North Long Avenue, Chicago, was charged with driving under the influence, improper lane use, failure to signal and impeding traffic at 1:29 a.m.

— graydon megan, chicagotribune.com, "Elmhurst police blotter: Three bicycles stolen from downtown rack", 26 May 2017
Miller shares a similar optimism about not impeding aid efforts.

— brendan seibel, WIRED, "Haiti Photo Workshops Face Online Backlash", 9 Feb. 2010

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.

Origin and Etymology of impede

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

First Known Use: circa 1595

impede Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

impede