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

Ukraine accused Washington of delaying the delivery of vital interceptor missiles and reported that a temporary disruption to the Starlink and Starshield satellite internet service impeded its ability to defend against Russian attacks. — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

If for some reason Elain (or someone controlling Elain) wanted to impede the plans the Night Court is making to stop Koschei, or simply throw a grenade into the dynamics of the Night Court, getting caught naked in bed with Azriel did exactly that. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026

Analysts at Lightshed Partners and MoffettNathanson quickly questioned that notion, pointing to existing contractual clauses that would impede, if not ban, any such workaround. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026

The bill would further impede the government’s ability to fund strategic national security tools that are used to monitor and prevent the travel of people whom the government reasonably suspects of terrorist activity. — Daniel Delgado, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 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