'Impede' definitions:

Definition of 'impede'

From: WordNet
verb
Be a hindrance or obstacle to; "She is impeding the progress of our project" [syn: impede, hinder]
verb
Block passage through; "obstruct the path" [syn: obstruct, obturate, impede, occlude, jam, block, close up] [ant: disengage, free]

Definition of 'Impede'

From: GCIDE
  • Impede \Im*pede"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Impeded; p. pr. & vb. n. Impeding.] [L. impedire, lit., to entangle the feet; pref. im- in + pes, pedis, foot. See Foot, and cf. Impeach.] To hinder; to stop in progress; to obstruct; as, to impede the advance of troops. [1913 Webster]
  • Whatever hinders or impedes The action of the nobler will. --Logfellow. [1913 Webster]