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

This can stunt growth, impede the roots' ability to absorb water, cause leaf rot, and attract pests. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026

Such a plan could be intended to pressure leaders of cities to crack down on undocumented immigrants by threatening to impede air travel. —Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 29 May 2026

This ruling sets a troubling precedent that undermines protections afforded to interstate commerce and impedes site remediation, as well as the safe and effective long-term management of these materials for customers in Michigan and throughout the country. —Heath Kalb, CBS News, 28 May 2026

His attempts to impede the certification of the 2020 election led to him being charged with obstruction of an official proceeding, alongside hundreds of January 6th rioters. —Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 28 May 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