hamper

verb

ham·per | \ˈham-pər

hampered; hampering\ ˈham-p(ə-)riŋ

Definition of hamper

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

However, Revenue officials said when the spring forecast was released in March that higher than normal temperatures on the Slope were hampering the efficiency of production facilities and leading to less oil being pulled from the ground each day. — Author: Elwood Brehmer, Anchorage Daily News, "Despite slight production dip, Alaska oil revenue grows in FY18," 13 July 2018 Investors have said lately that a glut of available seats could hamper airlines’ pricing power. — Alison Sider, WSJ, "Delta to Increase Fares, Trim Flights as Fuel Prices Rise," 12 July 2018 But economists have warned that more taxes on hiring employees could dramatically hamper the development of the private sector at a critical moment. — Nora Gámez Torres, miamiherald, "Cuba imposes more taxes and controls on private sector and increases censorship on the arts," 10 July 2018 Rescue efforts were hampered by extensive flooding in a chamber deep in the cave Monday and were temporarily halted. — Eli Meixler, Time, "Thai Divers Continue the Search For 12 Boys and Their Coach Trapped in a Flooded Cave. Here’s What to Know," 26 June 2018 Initial recovery efforts Tuesday were hampered, Boyers said, forcing a helicopter to turn back. — Jamie Hale, OregonLive.com, "Winds, snow complicating recovery of dead climber on Mount Adams," 29 May 2018 At least initially, search efforts were hampered by high tides. — Laura Mcknight, NOLA.com, "Search suspended for 85-year-old missing boater: Coast Guard," 4 May 2018 Efforts to hammer out a deal in the attorneys general talks are hampered by strategy disputes between suing states and those hoping for an out-of-court solution, according to the people familiar. — Jef Feeley, Bloomberg.com, "Drugmakers Balk Now at Multibillion Dollar Opioid Accord," 3 May 2018 Luis Enrique's side pushed for an equaliser but their efforts were hampered when Neymar received a second yellow in 65th minute for a rash challenge on Diego Llorente. — SI.com, "Malaga vs Barcelona Preview: Classic Encounter, Key Battles, Team News & More," 9 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

London's Hotel Cafe Royal has a package that includes a luxury limo trip to Windsor Castle with a picnic hamper. — Beth J. Harpaz, chicagotribune.com, "Royal wedding: At hotels, $50K packages, Union Jack condoms," 2 May 2018 Use it to hide electronics, the hamper, or a work zone in the living room; lay it flat against the wall as a larger-than-life headboard; or simply prop it up in the corner to add dimension. — Joanna Linberg, Sunset, "10 Stunning Rattan Pieces for Your Home," 22 Jan. 2018 Does après-elliptical translate directly into the hamper? — Alexandra Gurvitch, Vogue, "How to (Actually) Dress Up the Humble Gym Short," 5 June 2018 Children as young as 2 or 3 can start helping with chores, such as carrying a plate to the table and putting clothes in the hamper. — Andrea Petersen, WSJ, "The Overprotected American Child," 1 June 2018 Also on display was a sumptuous picnic spread, including the Rockefellers’ English wicker hamper with settings for 12, a gift from King Hassan II of Morocco ($5,000 to $10,000). — New York Times, "Pulled From Rockefeller Walls, Picasso, Matisse and Monet Fetch Big Prices," 8 May 2018 Any clothes that come into contact with poison ivy should be washed separately and immediately after removing the plant, because the oils can easily transfer to hampers, other clothes, or your skin. — Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, "How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy," 4 June 2018 The ball never drops and after Ramos heads the final ball into his path, Marcelo’s son nods it off the wall and into a laundry hamper, but the best is still to come. — Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "Real Madrid teams up with Marcelo's 8-year-old son to make amazing video," 16 May 2018 The deputies also recovered a handgun that Richardson had hidden in a clothes hamper in the room. — Kim Chatelain, NOLA.com, "Covington ex-con gets 20 years for possessing pot, gun," 15 May 2018

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.

History and Etymology for hamper

Verb

Middle English

Noun

Middle English hamper, hanaper, literally, case to hold goblets, from Anglo-French hanaper, from hanap goblet, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English hnæpp bowl

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