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

Though that apparently hasn't hampered China's laser research in the past. — Eric Limer, Popular Mechanics, "Everything Suspicious About China's Laser Rifle Claims," 9 July 2018 Injuries hampered Ryquell Armstead throughout much of last season. — Matt Murschel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Temple is No. 50 in 2018 preseason college football rankings," 8 July 2018 Hot air recirculation has hampered production at a number of LNG plants worldwide, according to Akiyama. — Author: Elwood Brehmer, Anchorage Daily News, "Veteran industry engineer questions aspects of Alaska LNG plans," 6 July 2018 At the same time, inflexible and unreformed labour markets have hampered the rise of manufacturing and low-level services, the gateway for women in other poor countries. — The Economist, "Why India needs women to work," 5 July 2018 However, heat advisories hampered the turnout opening weekend, and some rain Sunday afternoon forced the business to close early, according to Lemke. — Henry J. Morgan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "It's summer; why not take a paddleboard for a spin? They're now available for rent at Menomonee Park, along with bikes and boats," 3 July 2018 Over the past week, heavy rain has hampered search and rescue efforts, causing flooding which has stopped rescuers getting through chambers to get deeper into the cave. — Travis Fedschun, Fox News, "Thailand cave rescue clears hurdle, divers reach passageway that may lead to youth soccer team," 1 July 2018 But the steel and aluminum tariffs are likely to complicate, if not hamper, ongoing negotiations with Canada and Mexico to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement, a major economic goal for the administration. — Kate Linthicum, latimes.com, "U.S. allies retaliate after Trump lets steel tariffs take effect for Europe, Mexico and Canada," 31 May 2018 Decreasing fuel revenue has hampered GDOT’s budget, so the 2015 plan was a big shot in the arm. — Doug Turnbull, ajc, "Gridlock Guy: Don’t just believe campaign half-truths about traffic," 18 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

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 One of them didn’t brush their teeth, the other one left their clothes everywhere and has to put them in the hamper. — Allie Jones, The Cut, "How I Get It Done: Kate Hudson," 11 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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