¹hinder

verb hin·der \ˈhin-dər\

: to make (something, such as a task or action) slow or difficult

hin·deredhin·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\

Full Definition of HINDER

transitive verb

: to make slow or difficult the progress of : hamper

: to hold back : check

intransitive verb

: to delay, impede, or prevent action

— hin·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun

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Origin of HINDER

Middle English hindren, from Old English hindrian; akin to Old English hinder behind

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to HINDER

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

Antonyms: aid, assist, facilitate, help

Synonym Discussion of 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>.