Part of Speech-Noun

Definition-Something that interferes with movement or progress

Source–http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impediment

Encountering of Word-“..slowly walking home after the late date, tripping over nonexistent impediments on the sidewalk.” City Limits by Colson Whitehead

Understanding-I understand this word much better now because i see what Whiteheads purpose in using that word was. The meaning is that you trip yourself up and create these false objects in your head that it’s what’s getting in your way when it truly isn’t.