impede

verb

im·​pede im-ˈpēd 

impeded; impeding

transitive verb

: to interfere with or slow the progress of

impeder noun

Synonyms of impede

• hinder
• hamper
• obstruct
• embarrass

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

Oil prices have spiked above $100 per barrel amid Iranian threats to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and declarations of force majeure by both Kuwait and Bahrain, who argue events beyond their control have impeded their ability to deliver petroleum. —Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

The indictment includes the conspiracy count, which carries a maximum sentence of six years in federal prison, as well as several other counts of forcibly impeding a federal officer, each punishable by up to one year in federal prison. —Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

Bridges on the trail include porches so visitors can pause and admire views without impeding others passing through. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026

An effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a transit point for much of the world's trade in oil and gas, may restrict China’s access to relatively cheap Iranian oil and also impede its broader commerce with the region. —ABC News, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1595, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for impede

• accede
• agreed
• airspeed
• alkyd
• bindweed
• chickweed
• concede
• decreed
• duckweed
• exceed
• flaxseed
• indeed

Kids Definition

impede

verb

im·​pede im-ˈpēd 

impeded; impeding

: to interfere with the movement or progress of

impeder noun

Etymology

from Latin impedire "to hinder, get in the way of," literally, "to bind or hold the feet of," derived from im-, in- "in, into" and ped-, pes "foot" — related to pedestrian