Ten verbs for getting in the way, from a little to a lot. Some only slow things down (hinder, hamper, impede, encumber). Some block them (obstruct, stymie) or defeat a plan (thwart). One holds back from inside (inhibit). Two stop things before they start (preclude, forestall).
Key idea
Strength matters. Mud that impedes you slows you down; a locked door that precludes entry makes it impossible. Forestall means acting early, stepping in front of a problem before it arrives.
The ten words
Common mistake
preclude rules something out ahead of time; it is stronger than hinder. forestall means acting early to prevent, like stepping in front of a problem.
| how much it gets in the way | words |
|---|---|
| slows it down | hinder, hamper, impede, encumber (by weight) |
| holds it back from inside | inhibit |
| blocks the way | obstruct, stymie |
| defeats a plan | thwart |
| rules it out ahead of time | preclude |
| heads it off by acting first | forestall |
Two words have a Latin foot in them: impede (in + ped, foot: to tangle the feet) and its opposite expedite (ex + ped: to free the feet). One has a Latin door: preclude (pre + clud, shut).