hinder

1 of 2

verb

hin·​der ˈhin-dər 

hindered; hindering ˈhin-d(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to make slow or difficult the progress of : hamper

Their journey was hindered by snow and high winds.

economic growth hindered by sanctions

2

: to hold back : prevent, check

His financial troubles hindered him from buying a home.

intransitive verb

: to delay, impede, or prevent action

uncertain whether the changes would help or hinder

hinderer

ˈhin-dər-ər 

noun

hinder

2 of 2

adjective

hind·​er ˈhīn-dər 

: situated behind or in the rear : posterior

… a long oval forward part and a taillike hinder portion.

—R. E. Coker

Synonyms of hinder

Verb

• impede
• hamper
• obstruct
• embarrass

Adjective

• rear
• back
• hind

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of hinder in a Sentence

Verb

The witness refused to cooperate, hindering the investigation.

The country's economic growth is being hindered by the sanctions.

It's not clear whether the change will help or hinder our project.

Adjective

the animal's case of mange was especially bad in its hinder parts

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Their first drive against the Central Michigan Chippewas stalled, with a sack and a pair of penalties hindering the possession, and Central Michigan made its way down the field for a field goal. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026

Last season as a rookie, Ferguson was hindered early in the schedule because of a hamstring injury suffered during training camp. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Transplanting during a dry spell can stress plants, damage roots, and hinder their ability to recover. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 26 Sep. 2026

All but four Republican senators voted against the measure, even as the GOP grapples with concerns that the conflict — and its effect on energy prices — could hinder its candidates’ chances in the midterm elections. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English hinder, adverb — see hinder entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hinder

• hinder from

Rhymes for hinder

• cinder
• linder
• tinder
• winder

Kids Definition

hinder

verb

hin·​der

ˈhin-dər

hindered; hindering

-d(ə-)riŋ

1

: to make slow or difficult : hamper

progress was hindered by bad weather

2

: to hold back : check