obstruction; hindrance; obstacle.

any physical defect that impedes normal or easy speech; a speech disorder.

Chiefly Ecclesiastical Law . a bar, usually of blood or affinity, to marriage

a diriment impediment.

Usually, impediments. impedimenta.

noun

aid , assistance , facilitation , furtherance , help , support

noun

bar , barricade , barrier , block , blockage , bottleneck * , burden , catch * , catch-22 * , chain , check , clog , cramp , curb , dead weight , defect , delay , deterrent , detriment , difficulty , disadvantage , drag * , drawback , encumbrance , fault , flaw , handicap , hazard , hitch , holdup , hurdle , inhibition , load , manacle , millstone * , obstacle , prohibition , red tape * , restraint , restriction , retardation , retardment , road block * , rub * , setback , shackle , snag , stoppage , stricture , stumbling block * , tie , trammel , wall , hamper , hindrance , obstruction , stop , traverse , cul-de-sac , embarrassment , malady , stumblingblock