impediment

1. is a type of: difficulty - a factor causing trouble in achieving a positive result or tending to produce a negative result
   subtypes:

   • 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
   same as: balk, baulk, check, deterrent, handicap, hinderance, hindrance
2. is a type of: construction, structure - a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts
   subtypes:

   • 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
   same as: impedimenta, obstructer, obstruction, obstructor

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