impediment
UK[ɪmˈped.ɪ.mənt]US[ɪmˈped.ə.mənt]
n
something that makes it difficult to do or complete something; an obstacle.
n
a physical or speech disability that makes some action or communication difficult.
Morpheme Breakdown
im
ped
i
ment
im
in
ped
foot
i
ment
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'impediment' originates from the latin verb 'impedire', meaning "to shackle the feet, to entangle, to hinder". this verb itself is composed of the prefix 'in-' (here meaning "in, into") and the noun 'pes, pedis' (foot), with the literal sense of "to put the feet in fetters". the latin noun 'impedimentum' (a hindrance) was formed from this verb, referring literally to baggage or encumbrances that shackle an army's movement. entering english in the late middle english period via old french, the term retained the core concept of a hindrance but broadened from a physical shackle to encompass any obstacle or disability that figuratively "entangles the feet" of progress or action.
Analysis
Structure: im (in) + ped (foot) + i + ment (noun suffix)
im: latin origin, a prefix meaning "in, into, on, toward" but here used in its negative or privative sense "against, not".
ped: latin origin, from 'pes, ped-' meaning "foot".
i: latin origin, a connecting vowel.
ment: latin origin, a suffix forming nouns from verbs, indicating an action, process, or resulting state.
Examples
lack of funding is a major impediment to the research project.
he overcame a speech impediment to become a powerful orator.
the treaty aimed to remove trade impediments between the two nations.