verb
impede
im-PEED/ɪmˈpiːd/
To slow or block progress.
The fallen branch impedes the woman's progress with the loaded handcart.
Etymology
“In” and “foot” underlie the Latin image “to shackle the feet.” Preventing someone from walking became a broader image for slowing or blocking any kind of progress.
In context
staff has put into this project i regret so much that it has been put through the mud in terms of personal attacks just because of a neighbor's desire to impede a legitimate project
More examples
- A lack of funding impedes research.
- The fallen tree impeded our progress along the trail.
- Constant interruptions are impeding her ability to finish the report.
Forms
impede · impedes · impeded · impeding
impediment noun — Something that slows or blocks progress.