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IMPEDIMENT
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Any structure that makes progress difficult
Synonyms:
impediment; impedimenta; obstructer; obstruction; obstructor
Classified under:
Nouns denoting man-made objects
Hypernyms ("impediment" is a kind of...):
construction; structure (a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "impediment"):
bar (an obstruction (usually metal) placed at the top of a goal)
barrier (a structure or object that impedes free movement)
blockade (prevents access or progress)
block; blockage; closure; occlusion; stop; stoppage (an obstruction in a pipe or tube)
encumbrance; hinderance; hindrance; hitch; incumbrance; interference; preventative; preventive (any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome)
obstacle (an obstruction that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented))
tumbler (a movable obstruction in a lock that must be adjusted to a given position (as by a key) before the bolt can be thrown)
Derivation:
impede (block passage through)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
Synonyms:
balk; baulk; check; deterrent; handicap; hinderance; hindrance; impediment
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Hypernyms ("impediment" is a kind of...):
difficulty (a factor causing trouble in achieving a positive result or tending to produce a negative result)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "impediment"):
albatross; millstone ((figurative) something that hinders or handicaps)
bind (something that hinders as if with bonds)
diriment impediment ((canon law) an impediment that invalidates a marriage (such as the existence of a prior marriage))
drag (something that slows or delays progress)
obstacle; obstruction (something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted)
straitjacket (anything immaterial that severely hinders or confines)
Derivation:
impede (be a hindrance or obstacle to)
Context examples:
Though with your usual anxiety for our happiness, said Elinor, you have been obviating every impediment to the present scheme which occurred to you, there is still one objection which, in my opinion, cannot be so easily removed.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
Anne felt truly obliged to her for such kindness; and quite as much so for the opportunity it gave her of decidedly saying—If it depended only on my inclination, ma'am, the party at home (excepting on Mary's account) would not be the smallest impediment.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
"I am in a condition to prove my allegation: an insuperable impediment to this marriage exists."
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
There is a great deal of truth in what you say, replied Sir Thomas, and far be it from me to throw any fanciful impediment in the way of a plan which would be so consistent with the relative situations of each.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
This interfered with the solitude I coveted for the prosecution of my task; yet at the commencement of my journey the presence of my friend could in no way be an impediment, and truly I rejoiced that thus I should be saved many hours of lonely, maddening reflection.
(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)
To attain this end, are you justified in overleaping an obstacle of custom—a mere conventional impediment which neither your conscience sanctifies nor your judgment approves?
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
Everything was now in a regular train: theatre, actors, actresses, and dresses, were all getting forward; but though no other great impediments arose, Fanny found, before many days were past, that it was not all uninterrupted enjoyment to the party themselves, and that she had not to witness the continuance of such unanimity and delight as had been almost too much for her at first.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
Having removed this impediment, and lifted certain silvery envelopes of tissue paper, she merely exclaimed—"Oh ciel! Que c'est beau!" and then remained absorbed in ecstatic contemplation.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
It is a very strange sensation to inexperienced youth to feel itself quite alone in the world, cut adrift from every connection, uncertain whether the port to which it is bound can be reached, and prevented by many impediments from returning to that it has quitted.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
And the clergyman, who had not lifted his eyes from his book, and had held his breath but for a moment, was proceeding: his hand was already stretched towards Mr. Rochester, as his lips unclosed to ask, Wilt thou have this woman for thy wedded wife?—when a distinct and near voice said—The marriage cannot go on: I declare the existence of an impediment.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
