impede

verb

im·​pede im-ˈpēd 

impeded; impeding

transitive verb

: to interfere with or slow the progress of

impeder noun

Synonyms

• 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

Ward was arrested in Texas on June 12 and charged with assault on a family member by impeding breathing or circulation, which is a third-degree felony. —Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Sources claimed the suit could have impeded Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount, which requires approval from the FCC under the Trump administration. —Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025

Baltimore County is on a list of states, cities, and counties identified by the Justice Department as having policies, laws, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws. —Cale Ahearn, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2025

Jacob Nathaniel Len, 30, is accused in a criminal complaint of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees. —Christina Hall, Freep.com, 4 Aug. 2025

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