impede
verb
im·pede im-ˈpēd 
impeded; impeding
transitive verb
: to interfere with or slow the progress of
impeder noun
Synonyms
- clog
- cramp
- embarrass
- encumber
- fetter
- hamper
- handcuff
- handicap
- hinder
- hobble
- hog-tie
- hold back
- hold up
- inhibit
- interfere (with)
- manacle
- obstruct
- shackle
- short-circuit
- stymie
- tie up
- trammel
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 At the top of the list was an executive grant of clemency for Roger Stone, a longtime Trump friend and political adviser who was convicted by a jury of seeking to impede a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. 
Anchorage Daily News, 13 Aug. 2022 At the top of the list was an executive grant of clemency for Roger Stone, a longtime Trump friend and political adviser who was convicted by a jury of seeking to impede a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Devlin Barrett, Washington Post, 13 Aug. 2022 Ruffer’s concern is that the loss of reserves will impede the banks’ willingness to take risks. James Mackintosh, WSJ, 3 Sep. 2022 Planned Parenthood objected, saying that doing so might impede access by forcing people to pay out of pocket. New York Times, 11 July 2022 This can ensure the dynamic nature of creating, storing and sharing data doesn't impede the end-users' workflow. Mike Quinn, Forbes, 15 July 2022 There was an attempt, a successful attempt, to block the transfer of power, to impede Congress in the joint session counting Electoral College votes, and then the effort to get Pence to declare these absurd powers to unilaterally reject electors. NBC News, 19 June 2022 Here’s something else experts are sure of: The best way to impede the virus and protect yourself from its worst effects is to get vaccinated and boosted. Karen Kaplanscience And Medicine Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2022 More recently, the Coastal Commission entered the fray, saying the barrier would impede public access, and that the project should require environmental mitigation. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2022 See More
Anchorage Daily News, 13 Aug. 2022 At the top of the list was an executive grant of clemency for Roger Stone, a longtime Trump friend and political adviser who was convicted by a jury of seeking to impede a congressional investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Devlin Barrett, Washington Post, 13 Aug. 2022 Ruffer’s concern is that the loss of reserves will impede the banks’ willingness to take risks. James Mackintosh, WSJ, 3 Sep. 2022 Planned Parenthood objected, saying that doing so might impede access by forcing people to pay out of pocket. New York Times, 11 July 2022 This can ensure the dynamic nature of creating, storing and sharing data doesn't impede the end-users' workflow. Mike Quinn, Forbes, 15 July 2022 There was an attempt, a successful attempt, to block the transfer of power, to impede Congress in the joint session counting Electoral College votes, and then the effort to get Pence to declare these absurd powers to unilaterally reject electors. NBC News, 19 June 2022 Here’s something else experts are sure of: The best way to impede the virus and protect yourself from its worst effects is to get vaccinated and boosted. Karen Kaplanscience And Medicine Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2022 More recently, the Coastal Commission entered the fray, saying the barrier would impede public access, and that the project should require environmental mitigation. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin impedire, from in- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot
First Known Use
circa 1595, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
impede
verb
im·pede im-ˈpēd
impeded; impeding
: to interfere with the movement or progress of A snowstorm impeded his journey.
impeding 1 of 2
adjective
as in hindering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- hindering
- blocking
- hampering
- thwarting
- frustrating
- baffling
- retardant
- negating
- neutralizing
- stalling
- deterring
- nullifying
- balking
- deterrent
- foiling
- preventive
- prophylactic
- preventative
- precautionary
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- assisting
- aiding
- facilitating
- promoting
- abetting
- encouraging
- smoothing
- fostering
- easing
- nurturing
- forwarding
- furthering
impeding
2 of 2verb
as in hampering
to create difficulty for the work or activity of the construction work impeded the smooth running of the office for several months Synonyms & Similar Words
- hampering
- hindering
- obstructing
- embarrassing
- inhibiting
- delaying
- handicapping
- disrupting
- stymieing
- restraining
- clogging
- blocking
- constraining
- cramping
- encumbering
- hobbling
- thwarting
- fettering
- shackling
- handcuffing
- short-circuiting
- tying up
- holding back
- curbing
- trammelling
- frustrating
- retarding
- trammeling
- stifling
- hog-tying
- manacling
- tieing up
- tying
- binding
- interfering (with)
- reining
- cramping one's style
- balking
- giving a hard time
- checking
- retaining
- strangling
- sabotaging
- tethering
- arresting
- barricading
- braking
- blockading
- holding up
- derailing
- chaining
- baffling
- confining
- tieing
- roadblocking
- choking
- haltering
- leashing
- foiling
- suffocating
- smothering
- miring
- stumping
- repressing
- muzzling
- suppressing
- bogging (down)
- hemming (in)
- hedging (in)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- aiding
- facilitating
- assisting
- helping
- opening
- clearing
- freeing
- releasing
- promoting
- liberating
- furthering
- loosening
- encouraging
- smoothing
- unstopping
- unclogging
- unplugging
- making way
- untying
- untieing