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

The lawsuit accuses them of concealing climate research and hindering the adoption of renewable energy technologies. —Taylor Millard, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2026

Gulf states’ strategy on Iran — focused on de-escalation and containing tensions — has hindered their ability to influence Tehran and shape the new security environment, Bader Al-Saif, assistant professor of history at Kuwait University, and Chatham House’s Sanam Vakil write for War on the Rocks. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 28 Feb. 2026

The groups view the rules as invasive and arbitrary, and say the ban would hinder critical assistance. —Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

Opponents of the injunction include the Inland Ports and Navigation Group, which says increasing spill to benefit fish can hinder navigation, disrupting the flow of commerce and hurt the economy. —ABC News, 26 Feb. 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