Main Entry: ¹ham·per

Pronunciation: \ˈham-pər\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ham·pered; ham·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\

Etymology: Middle English

Date: 14th century

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

synonyms 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>.