hamper

¹ham·per

verb \ˈham-pər\

ham·peredham·per·ing\-p(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of HAMPER

transitive verb

1

a : to restrict the movement of by bonds or obstacles : impede b : to interfere with the operation of : disrupt

2

a : curb, restrain b : to interfere with : encumber

Examples of HAMPER

1. The project was hampered by budget restraints.
2. Construction is hampering traffic on the highway.

Origin of HAMPER

Middle English

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to HAMPER

Synonyms: clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel, cramp one's style, give a hard time

Antonyms: aid, assist, facilitate, help

Related Words: balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain; bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie; arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard; barricade, block, blockade, roadblock; bog (down), mire; choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate; baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart; derail, disrupt, sabotage; muzzle, repress, suppress; confine, hedge (in), hem (in)

Near Antonyms: clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop; free, liberate, release, untie; loosen, smooth; encourage, further, promote

[+]more[-]hide

Synonym Discussion of HAMPER

hamper, trammel, clog, fetter, shackle, manacle mean to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting. hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence <hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate>. trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net <rules that trammel the artist's creativity>. clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering <a court system clogged by frivolous suits>. fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost <a nation fettered by an antiquated class system>. shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom <a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice> <a people manacled by tyranny>.

Rhymes with HAMPER

camper, chamfer, damper, pamper, scamper, stamper, tamper, tramper