hinder

¹hin·der

verb \ˈhin-dər\

hin·deredhin·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of HINDER

transitive verb

1

: to make slow or difficult the progress of : hamper

2

: to hold back : check

intransitive verb

: to delay, impede, or prevent action

— hin·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

Examples of HINDER

1. The witness refused to cooperate, hindering the investigation.
2. The country's economic growth is being hindered by the sanctions.
3. It's not clear whether the change will help or hinder our project.

Origin of HINDER

Middle English hindren, from Old English hindrian; akin to Old English hinder behind

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to HINDER

Synonyms

clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, handcuff, handicap, hamper, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel

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

Synonym Discussion of HINDER

hinder, impede, obstruct, block mean to interfere with the activity or progress of. hinder stresses causing harmful or annoying delay or interference with progress <rain hindered the climb>. impede implies making forward progress difficult by clogging, hampering, or fettering <tight clothing that impedes movement>. obstruct implies interfering with something in motion or in progress by the sometimes intentional placing of obstacles in the way <the view was obstructed by billboards>. block implies complete obstruction to passage or progress <a landslide blocked the road>.

Rhymes with HINDER

cinder, Pindar, tinder

²hind·er

adjective \ˈhīn-dər\

Definition of HINDER

: situated behind or in the rear : posterior

Examples of HINDER

1. <the animal's case of mange was especially bad in its hinder parts>

Origin of HINDER

Middle English, from Old English hinder, adverb

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to HINDER

Synonyms

aft, after, hind, back, hindmost, posterior, rear, rearward

Antonyms

anterior, fore, forward, front, frontal

Related Words

dorsal

Near Antonyms

ventral

Rhymes with HINDER

binder, blinder, finder, grinder, minder, winder