impede

verb

im·​pede im-ˈpēd How to pronounce impede (audio)
impeded; impeding

transitive verb

: to interfere with or slow the progress of
impeder noun
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 On one play against Dallas, Irving corralled a defensive rebound under his basket and strolled down the middle of the court, barely impeded, for a layup. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2024 The assailant’s suffocating hand over her mouth, attempting to mute her screams, is one terrible detail that lingers; along with the bathing suit under her clothes that impeded their forcible removal. Alexandra Jacobs, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Washington’s continued support of Ukraine impedes Russia’s military ambitions and dilutes its potential to support Chinese aggression in the future. Max Bergmann, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2024 Until recently, much of the border between Russia and those countries was rolling fields and open pine forest, with little to impede crossings. Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 In the 37 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,300 people have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the Capitol, including more than 470 charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2024 Moisture from the Gulf spreads easily across this lowland, past San Antonio, before being impeded by terrain that rises onto the Edwards Plateau. Jay Anderson, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2024 Consider that Wilson’s contract — heavier than a cargo plane that transports space shuttles — will impede Denver’s attempts to build up a bad roster for two more years. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 That applies to anyone who acted as a driver, passenger or organizer; operated a motor vehicle for the purpose of filming the event; used their car to carry fuel for the purposes of fueling cars in the event or in some way impeded traffic. Alyssa Johnson, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impede.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impede was circa 1595

Dictionary Entries Near impede

Cite this Entry

“Impede.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impede. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impede

verb
im·​pede im-ˈpēd How to pronounce impede (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on impede

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