impediment

[im-ped-uh-muhnt]

noun

1. obstruction; hindrance; obstacle.

   Synonyms: check, encumbrance, bar
   Antonyms: encouragement, help

2. any physical impairment or condition that impedes normal, fluent, or easy speech; a speech disorder.

3. Chiefly Ecclesiastical Law.,  a bar, usually of blood or affinity, to marriage.

   a diriment impediment.

4. Usually impediments. impedimenta.

impediment

/ ɪmˈpɛdɪmənt /

noun

1. a hindrance or obstruction

2. a physical defect, esp one of speech, such as a stammer

3. law an obstruction to the making of a contract, esp a contract of marriage by reason of closeness of blood or affinity

Other Word Forms

• impedimental adjective
• impedimentary adjective
• nonimpedimental adjective
• nonimpedimentary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of impediment¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin impedīmentum; impede, -ment

Synonym Study

See obstacle.

Example Sentences

The UN and other aid organisations have reported significant impediments and obstructions in being able to collect and distribute aid in Gaza.

From BBC

In response to questions from Oregon Public Broadcasting and ProPublica, the governor’s office acknowledged “existing significant impediments” to renewable energy growth in Oregon.

From Salon

It said it continued to see impediments and delays as it tries to collect aid from Israeli-controlled border zones.

From BBC

The UN's humanitarian agency has said it continues to see impediments and delays as it tries to collect aid from Israeli-controlled border zones.

From BBC

The UN's humanitarian agency said it continues to see impediments and delays as it tries to collect aid from Israeli-controlled border zones.

From BBC

Related Words

• barrier 
• bottleneck 
• burden 
• defect 
• deterrent 
• difficulty 
• disadvantage 
• drawback 
• flaw 
• handicap 
• hazard 
• hitch 
• hurdle 
• inhibition 
• obstacle 
• red tape 
• restriction 
• setback 
• snag 
• stumbling block