Top 24 Slang For Impede – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing the idea of hindering progress or slowing something down, finding the right slang term to convey this can be a game-changer. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest and most effective slang words for “impede” that will have you sounding like a language pro in no time. Stay ahead of the curve and add these gems to your vocabulary arsenal!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Hinder

To hinder means to delay or obstruct progress or movement. It can refer to any action or situation that slows down or prevents something from happening.

For example, “The heavy traffic hindered my commute to work.”
In a sports context, one might say, “The opposing team’s strong defense hindered our ability to score.”
A student might complain, “My procrastination is really hindering my ability to finish this project on time.”

2. Block

To block means to prevent or impede progress or movement by creating an obstacle or barrier. It can refer to physical or metaphorical obstructions.

For instance, “The fallen tree blocked the road, causing a traffic jam.”
In a game of basketball, a player might say, “I need to block my opponent’s shot to prevent them from scoring.”
A person might say, “Negative thoughts can block your path to success.”

3. Slow down

To slow down means to reduce speed or decrease the rate of progress. It can refer to physical movement or the pace of a task or activity.

For example, “The heavy rain slowed down traffic on the highway.”
In a race, a runner might say, “I need to slow down my pace to conserve energy for the final stretch.”
A person might say, “Stress can slow down your ability to think clearly.”

4. Hold back

To hold back means to restrain or prevent someone or something from moving forward or progressing. It can also refer to suppressing emotions or inhibiting oneself.

For instance, “The police held back the crowd to maintain order.”
In a relationship, one partner might say, “I feel like you’re holding back your true feelings.”
A person might say, “Don’t hold back your creativity; express yourself freely.”

5. Inhibit

To inhibit means to restrict or prevent someone or something from doing or achieving something. It can refer to physical or psychological constraints.

For example, “The fear of failure inhibited her from taking risks.”
In a social setting, one might say, “Shyness can inhibit a person’s ability to make new friends.”
A teacher might say, “Strict rules can inhibit students’ creativity.”

6. Hamper

To hamper means to hold back or hinder progress or movement. It suggests that something is causing a delay or obstacle in achieving a goal or completing a task.

For example, “The heavy traffic hampered my ability to get to work on time.”
In a sports context, “The opposing team’s defense hampered our ability to score.”
A student might say, “The loud noise from construction outside is hampering my concentration.”

7. Check

To check means to halt or stop the progress or development of something. It implies an action taken to prevent or impede further movement or activity.

For instance, “The sudden rainstorm checked our outdoor plans.”
In a game of chess, “The player’s move to check the opponent’s king forced them to change their strategy.”
A supervisor might say, “Please check your work for any errors before submitting it.”

8. Interrupt

To interrupt means to break in or disrupt a conversation, activity, or process. It implies a sudden and often unwelcome interruption that hinders the flow or continuity of something.

For example, “The phone call interrupted our dinner conversation.”
During a meeting, “Please raise your hand if you have any questions and wait for the speaker to finish before interrupting.”
A student might complain, “The constant noise from the construction site next door is interrupting my studying.”

9. Delay

To delay means to postpone or put off an action, event, or decision. It suggests a temporary interruption or setback that causes a later start or completion.

For instance, “The flight was delayed due to bad weather.”
In a project timeline, “We need to address the issues that are causing the delay.”
A person might say, “I delayed my vacation until I finish this important task.”

10. Resist

To resist means to oppose or withstand something that is trying to impede progress or change. It implies a conscious effort to push back against an obstacle or force.

For example, “She resisted the temptation to eat another slice of cake.”
In a political context, “The protesters resisted the government’s new policies.”
A person might say, “I’m trying to resist the urge to procrastinate and stay focused on my work.”

11. Oppose

To actively resist or go against something or someone. It can refer to opposing a specific idea, action, or person.

For example, “I oppose the new policy because it will negatively impact small businesses.”
In a political context, one might say, “I strongly oppose the candidate’s stance on healthcare.”
A person discussing a controversial topic might state, “I oppose the idea that video games lead to violence.”

12. Bar

To prevent or block someone or something from progressing or entering a certain place.

For instance, “The security guard barred the protesters from entering the building.”
In a discussion about travel restrictions, one might mention, “The pandemic has barred many people from visiting certain countries.”
A person talking about access to education might say, “Financial barriers can bar students from pursuing higher education.”

13. Restrain

To hold back or prevent someone or something from moving or advancing freely.

For example, “The police officer restrained the suspect to prevent them from escaping.”
In a conversation about controlling emotions, one might say, “I need to learn how to restrain my anger.”
A person discussing animal training might mention, “Using positive reinforcement techniques can help restrain aggressive behavior in dogs.”

14. Constrain

To restrict or limit someone or something’s actions or freedom.

For instance, “The budget constraints prevented us from hiring more employees.”
In a discussion about creativity, one might say, “Too many rules can constrain artistic expression.”
A person discussing personal growth might mention, “It’s important to break free from the constraints of self-doubt.”

15. Retard

To slow down or hinder the progress or development of something or someone.

For example, “The heavy rain retarded the construction project.”
In a conversation about technology, one might say, “Obsolete systems can retard a company’s growth.”
A person discussing language acquisition might mention, “Lack of exposure to native speakers can retard language development in children.”

16. Interfere

To get involved in a situation or conversation without being invited or wanted. “Butt in” is a slang term used to describe interfering with someone or something.

For example, if two friends are having a private conversation and a third person starts giving their opinion, you might say, “Hey, don’t butt in on our conversation.”
In a group project, if someone starts taking over and making decisions without consulting others, you could say, “They always butt in and try to control everything.”
A person might complain, “My parents always butt in and try to tell me what to do.”

17. Frustrate

To annoy or irritate someone to the point of frustration. “Drive up the wall” is a slang phrase used to describe the act of impeding or hindering someone’s progress or peace of mind.

For instance, if someone is constantly interrupting you while you’re trying to work, you might say, “They’re driving me up the wall.”
When faced with a difficult problem that seems unsolvable, a person might exclaim, “This situation is driving me up the wall!”
If someone is constantly making mistakes and causing delays in a project, you could say, “Their incompetence is driving me up the wall.”

18. Clog

To obstruct or impede the flow or movement of something. “Block up” is a slang term used to describe the act of clogging or causing an obstruction.

For example, if a sink is filled with hair and debris, preventing the water from draining, you might say, “The drain is blocked up.”
In a traffic jam, when cars are closely packed together and unable to move, you could say, “The road is clogged up with vehicles.”
If a person is talking incessantly and not allowing others to speak, you might say, “They’re blocking up the conversation.”

19. Impair

To damage or weaken something, making it less effective or functional. “Mess up” is a slang phrase used to describe the act of impairing or hindering something.

For instance, if someone spills coffee on their laptop and it stops working, you might say, “They really messed up their computer.”
When someone forgets important information and it causes problems, you could say, “They really messed up the presentation.”
If someone is constantly making mistakes and not performing their job properly, you might say, “They’re always messing up.”

20. Disrupt

To interrupt or cause a disturbance in the normal flow or functioning of something. “Throw off” is a slang term used to describe the act of disrupting or impeding something.

For example, if a loud noise suddenly interrupts a peaceful environment, you might say, “It really threw off the tranquility.”
In a classroom, if a disruptive student constantly interrupts the teacher and distracts others, you could say, “They’re throwing off the entire class.”
If someone changes their plans at the last minute and it causes confusion and delays, you might say, “Their sudden change of plans really threw us off.”

21. Foil

To “foil” means to prevent or hinder someone or something from being successful or achieving their intended goal.

For example, “The security measures in place foiled the thief’s attempt to steal the valuable artwork.”
In a sports context, one might say, “The goalkeeper made a brilliant save, foiling the opponent’s attempt to score.”
A person discussing a failed plan might say, “Our lack of funding foiled our plans to expand the business.”

22. Set back

To “set back” means to delay or hinder the progress of someone or something.

For instance, “The unexpected rainstorm set back the construction project by a week.”
In a personal context, one might say, “Getting sick right before the exam really set me back in my studies.”
A person discussing a setback in their career might say, “Losing my job was a major set back, but I’m determined to bounce back.”

23. Hold up

To “hold up” means to delay or impede the progress of someone or something.

For example, “Traffic held us up and we arrived late to the meeting.”
In a travel context, one might say, “Bad weather conditions held up our flight for several hours.”
A person discussing a delay in a project might say, “Unexpected complications held up the completion of the report.”

24. Put a damper on

To “put a damper on” means to dampen or hinder enthusiasm or excitement.

For instance, “The rainy weather put a damper on our plans for a picnic.”
In a social context, one might say, “His negative comments really put a damper on the party.”
A person discussing a disappointing outcome might say, “The loss in the championship game put a damper on the team’s morale.”