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

By law, the number of sea lions that can be lethally removed from the Columbia River basin is far below the number that researchers think would impede the animals’ recovery. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026

DeFoor was set to appear in federal court later Tuesday on federal charges of damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026

DeFoor also faces federal charges of damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers. —Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Jan. 2026

Sharing the pitch and the ball with Fernandes has done little to impede his attacking verve. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Jan. 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