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

Verb

• clog
• cramp
• embarrass
• encumber
• fetter
• hamper
• handcuff
• handicap
• hobble
• hog-tie
• hold back
• hold up
• impede
• inhibit
• interfere (with)
• manacle
• obstruct
• shackle
• short-circuit
• stymie
• tie up
• trammel

Adjective

• aft
• after
• back
• hind
• hindmost
• posterior
• rear
• rearward

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

Scientists believe early exposure to this content may hinder children's understanding of consent and respect in relationships. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 May 2025

The Transport Workers Union argued the petition would hinder safety. —Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 1 May 2025

There is even research that shows that color-blind men may be less likely to be picky eaters because their inability to discern clearly between colors hinders them from forming an emotional response to a food’s appearance. —Bedatri D. Choudhury, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025

Even so, rain fell for about five minutes and wouldn’t have hindered either starting pitcher. —Dan Hayes, New York Times, 30 Apr. 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