Blocks and barriers: comparing "impede" and "thwart"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 03/11/2024, 12:07

English.me team member

Impede and thwart. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "impede" and "thwart" imply creating obstacles or obstructions to progress or achievement.

What is different?

The word "impede" suggests causing a delay or slowing down progress, while "thwart" implies actively countering or preventing an action or plan from succeeding.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Impede

Heavy traffic can impede your journey to work.
The new law might impede business growth.
Her lack of confidence impedes her performance.

Thwart

The hero's efforts thwarted the villain's plan.
Security forces managed to thwart the attack.
They worked hard to thwart the competitors" advances.