impede
verb
[ ɪmˈpiːd ]
• delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder.
• "the sap causes swelling which can impede breathing"
Similar:
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,
balk,
foil,
derail,
stand in the way of,
stymie,
foul up,
screw up,
scupper,
bork,
cumber,
Origin:
late 16th century: from Latin impedire ‘shackle the feet of’, based on pes, ped- ‘foot’. Compare with impeach.
