hamper

verb

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ham·per | \ ˈham-pər

hampered; hampering\ ˈham-p(ə-)riŋ

Definition of hamper

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to restrict the movement of by bonds or obstacles : impede pitching … violently in the seaway, hampered by her heavy tow— R. S. Porteous

b : to interfere with the operation of : disrupt radio communications hampered by static— Globe & Mail

2a : to moderate or limit the effect or full exercise of : curb, restrain a work environment that hampers creativity

b : to interfere with : to impede the natural activity of : encumber Bad weather hampered the search effort. a project hampered by budget restraints

hamper

noun

Definition of hamper (Entry 2 of 2)

: a large basket usually with a cover for packing, storing, or transporting articles (such as food or laundry)

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about hamper

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Choose the Right Synonym for hamper

Verb

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

Examples of hamper in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Does the injury hamper him from getting up, especially on short routes. — Terry Pluto, cleveland, "How the world has changed for Cleveland Browns, Rashard Higgins, Kareem Hunt," 14 Dec. 2019 Junior Emily Bescoe, another aggressive defender, is also coming off an ACL injury that hampered her last season. — Mick Mccabe, Detroit Free Press, "McCabe: Detroit Edison, East Lansing top list of 20 high school girls basketball teams in state," 6 Dec. 2019 Injuries hampered him the past two seasons, though. — Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Texans work out offensive lineman Josh Garnett," 15 Nov. 2019 In his first marathon ever in 2003, Diddy took four hours and 14 minutes to reach the finish line, despite painful leg cramps that hampered him for half the race. — Nancy Mattia, PEOPLE.com, "See Them Go: Stars Who've Run the New York City Marathon," 2 Nov. 2019 However, Woods admitted the Masters win took a toll physically and mentally, and his ailing body continued to hamper him during the season. — Amir Vera, CNN, "Tiger Woods ties record for most PGA Tour titles with 82nd win in Japan," 28 Oct. 2019 About 49,000 workers walked off their jobs Sept. 16, halting production at more than 30 U.S. factories and hampering it in Mexico and Canada due to parts shortages. — Washington Post, "Workers at 2 big GM plants ratify deal, strike likely to end," 25 Oct. 2019 About 49,000 workers walked off their jobs Sept. 16, halting production at more than 30 U.S. factories and hampering it in Mexico and Canada due to parts shortages. — Tom Krisher, chicagotribune.com, "GM strike likely to end today, based on UAW voting data," 25 Oct. 2019 However, Guttman's curse has hampered them in the years that followed. — SI.com, "The 8 Teams That Have Won More Than 200 European Matches," 24 Oct. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Our state is in the grips of a bushfire crisis, and Foodbank Victoria immediately responded delivering urgent food relief hampers. — Gabrielle Chung, PEOPLE.com, "Lizzo Takes Break from Tour to Pack Supply Hampers at Australian Food Bank Amid Devastating Fires," 8 Jan. 2020 Guests will encounter numerous edible treats to nibble on in the home such as the wreaths hanging on the doors, and will be provided a hamper stocked with champagne and treats to enjoy upon arrival. — Kelly Corbett, House Beautiful, "Live Like Willy Wonka for a Night in This Candy Cane House," 4 Dec. 2019 There’s a Nintendo Switch ($299) to mull over, a timeless Shinola Runwell watch ($550), Bose noise canceling headphones ($349.99), a Jacquemus Chiquito mini bag ($270) or a classic Fortnum & Mason vegan Christmas gift hamper ($325). — Cady Lang, Time, "The 20 Best Holiday Gifts Under $250," 19 Dec. 2019 That cozy Batman snuggie, for instance, or an elegant afternoon tea hamper for snacking on the go. — Kim Fitzsimons, NBC News, "How to (politely) avoid getting unwanted gifts," 8 Dec. 2019 Bob walks with a springy step over a pizza box and past a laundry hamper to the water. — Nellie Bowles, New York Times, "A 17-Mile Hike to Unite San Francisco," 18 Nov. 2019 Choose from two different gourmet spreads that include delicacies such as Brussels sprout Caesar salad or prosciutto and brie on focaccia, packed in an old-fashioned picnic hamper. — BostonGlobe.com, "Just add bubbles," 26 July 2019 The $33,700 Event Pack includes a fold-down bench built into the rear bumper, a modular picnic hamper and, in a nod to England’s climatological suffering, umbrella storage. — Wired, "The $189,000 DBX SUV Is Here to Save Aston Martin," 19 Nov. 2019 The book ends with Ridgeley texting his old friend on Christmas Day 2016, wishing him a happy holiday and thanking him for the annual Christmas hamper of treats that Michael always sent. — Jancee Dunn, Washington Post, "Andrew Ridgeley reminisces about George Michael and the meteoric rise of Wham!," 9 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hamper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.