impede
/ɪmˈpiːd
/verb [with object]
Delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder: the sap causes swelling which can impede breathing...
- And therefore, it impedes our efforts to prevent recurrence of conflict.
- Plants infesting waterways grow into a tangled mat, which impedes transport and prevents hydroelectricity generation.
- So clinicians argue that the delay impedes their ability to quickly and swiftly develop a treatment regime.
Synonyms
hinder, obstruct, hamper, handicap, hold back, hold up, delay, interfere with, disrupt, retard, slow, slow down, brake, put a brake on, restrain, fetter, shackle, hamstring, cramp, cripple;
block, check, bar, curb, stop, thwart, frustrate, baulk, foil, derail, stand in the way of
informal stymie, foul up, screw up
British informal scupper, throw a spanner in the works of
North American informal bork, throw a monkey wrench in the works of
rare cumber
Origin
Late 16th century: from Latin impedire 'shackle the feet of', based on pes, ped- 'foot'. Compare with impeach.