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Definition of impede

impede

/ɪmˈpiːd/
im · pede
Adjective:impeditive
•
Past Simple:impeded
•
Past Participle:impeded
•
Present Participle:impeding
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impede Lexical Profile

impede Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To delay, obstruct, or hinder the progress, movement, or development of someone or something.

Example

"Fallen timber and heavy snow continued to impede the rescue team's progress up the mountain."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for impede
Antonyms
View all antonyms for impede

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'impede' (to delay or obstruct) with 'expedite' (to speed up or facilitate), as both share the Latin root 'pes' (foot)—one tangling the feet and the other freeing them.

• Rhymes for impede

• Nearby Words

impeachment
impeccable
impeccably
impede
impediment
impel
impeller

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin 'impedire', literally meaning 'to shackle the feet', formed from 'in-' (in or upon) and 'pes, ped-' (foot).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Impede. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/impede
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