impeded

Impeded is the past participle and adjective of impede, meaning hindered or obstructed. It describes something that has been slowed or blocked from progressing, due to external obstacles or internal limitations.

Etymology: The verb impede comes from Latin impedire, meaning to hinder or entangle, formed from in- “in, on” + ped- “foot” (a root related to hindrance). It entered English via Old French and Middle English, developing into the contemporary adjective impeded.

Usage: Impeded is used to indicate that a process or movement has already been hindered. It can refer to physical barriers, administrative delays, or figurative obstructions.

Synonyms include obstructed, hampered, delayed. Antonyms include aided, facilitated.

Examples: The road was impeded by fallen trees. Progress on the project was impeded by funding shortages. Impeded communication can hamper emergency response.

See also: impediment, impedimenta.