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

Overapplication may lead to dependency, hindering the natural moisture balance of your lips. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025

The anti-caking coating that prevents cheese from sticking together also hinders cheese from blending or melting into other foods with ease. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025

Measure would outlaw vessels’ seizure amid US campaign CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuela's parliament on Tuesday approved a measure that would criminalize a broad range of activities that can hinder navigation and commerce in the South American country, such as the seizure of oil tankers. —Regina Garcia Cano The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 25 Dec. 2025

Rubbing against it can hinder cleaning and cause scratches. —Alicia Chilton, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2025

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