Impede — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /im-ˈpēd/ im·pede

Meaning & Definition of Impede

Impede (verb)

  1. to interfere with or slow the progress of

Impede (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to create difficulty for the work or activity of

    "the construction work impeded the smooth running of the office for several months"

    similar: 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, cramp one's style, give a hard time
    related: balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie, arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard, barricade, block, blockade, roadblock, bog (down), mire, choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate, baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart, derail, disrupt, sabotage, muzzle, repress, suppress, confine, hedge (in), hem (in)
    opposite: aid, assist, facilitate, help
    near: clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop, free, liberate, release, untie, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Impede

The most common words with a similar meaning to Impede:

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, cramp one's style, give a hard time

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Impede

Words with the opposite meaning of Impede:

aid, assist, facilitate, help

Related Words for Impede

balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie, arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard, barricade, block, blockade, roadblock, bog (down), mire, choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate, baffle, foil

Near Antonyms of Impede

clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop, free, liberate, release, untie, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote

Word Forms of Impede

Inflections: impeded, impeding

Derived words: impeder (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Impede

Latin impedire, from in- + ped-, pes foot foot

First known use: circa 1595

Frequently Asked Questions about Impede

What does "Impede" mean?

"Impede" means to interfere with or slow the progress of. As a verb, it is defined as: to interfere with or slow the progress of.

What is another word for "Impede"?

Other words for "Impede" include clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff and handicap. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Impede" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Impede"?

There are 66 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Impede". Common alternatives include clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder and hobble.

What is the opposite of "Impede"?

Antonyms of "Impede" include aid, assist, facilitate and help. Near antonyms include clear, make way, open and unclog.

How do you use "Impede" in a sentence?

Examples of "Impede" in a sentence: "the construction work impeded the smooth running of the office for several months".

Is "Impede" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Impede" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Impede"?

"Impede" is pronounced /im-ˈpēd/ and divided into syllables as im·pede.

What is the origin of the word "Impede"?

"Impede" comes from Latin impedire, from in- + ped-, pes foot foot. First known use: circa 1595.