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

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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