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Synonyms
hinder, impede, obstruct, block mean to interfere with the activity or progress of.
hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress.
impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering.
obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way.
block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress.
Examples of impede in a Sentence
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
Dictionary Entries Near impede
Cite this Entry
“Impede.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impede. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
impede
verbfrom 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
Nglish: Translation of impede for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of impede for Arabic Speakers
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