Etymology Map
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Impede

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to delay or block

Where does the word "impede" come from? It comes from Latin impedire, adopted directly into English (1600s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
impedire
Latin · ancient
"to shackle the feet"
'in-' plus 'pes', foot
2
Stage 2 of 2
impede
English · 1600s
"to hinder"
'impediment' is older
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Read the full story

Impede’s story begins in Latin: impedire meant “to shackle the feet.” 'in-' plus 'pes', foot. It reached English by 1600s as impede. 'impediment' is older. Today, impede means to delay or block.