impede
ihm-PEED
Impede (verb) means to slow down or get in the way of progress. Example: “Heavy rain impeded the rescue effort.”
verb
1
To slow down or get in the way of progress.
"The human-machine imbalance made Sellers concerned that the modern thirst for AI-powered optimization was starting to impede human interaction."
— Lisa Bonos, No one likes meetings. They’re sending their AI note takers instead (2025)
"impede someone's progress"
"Heavy rain impeded the rescue effort."
"Outdated software was impeding the team's productivity."
"“Everything had been ticking along like a fine clock, even with Bornhald impeding, until this new one appeared with his Gray Men. Ordeith scrubbed bony fingers through greasy hair. Why could not his dreams at least be his own?”"
— Robert Jordan, Chapter 31: Assurances (1992)
How to use impede
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo slow something down or make it harder to proceed.
Common pairings
impede progress
impede growth
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- impedes
- Past tense
- impeded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Heavy rain _____ the rescue effort.
Etymology
From Latin impedire, "to shackle the feet" — from pes, "foot" (compare pedestrian). One of its earliest recorded uses in English is in Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for impede
See all rhymes for impede →Frequently asked questions
What does “impede” mean?
The word “impede” means to slow down or get in the way of progress. In plain terms, to slow something down or make it harder to proceed.
How do you pronounce “impede”?
“Impede” is pronounced ihm-PEED (/ɪmˈpiːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “impede” in a sentence?
Here is “impede” used in a sentence: “Heavy rain impeded the rescue effort.”
What is the opposite of “impede”?
The opposite of “impede” — its antonyms — are assist, help, expede and expedite.
What part of speech is “impede”?
“Impede” is a verb.
Where does the word “impede” come from?
The word “impede” comes from Latin. From Latin impedire, "to shackle the feet" — from pes, "foot" (compare pedestrian). One of its earliest recorded uses in English is in Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Is “impede” a common word?
“Impede” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
