Which word refers to the act of hindering or obstructing?

The word that refers to the act of hindering or obstructing is "impede." This term specifically denotes the action of making something difficult or delaying progress, which encompasses both physical and metaphorical forms of obstruction. In a law enforcement context, for example, impeding an investigation could involve actions that create barriers to discovering the truth or carrying out necessary procedures.

The other terms do not carry the same meaning. "Indicator" refers to something that signals or points to a particular condition or situation. "Incident" pertains to an event or occurrence, generally significant in nature. "Innocence" describes a state of being free from guilt or sin, unrelated to the concept of hindrance. Understanding these nuances helps clarify that "impede" is the most appropriate choice to convey the idea of obstruction.