hinder
1 Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
adjective
noun
verb
-
to be or get in the way of (someone or something); hamper
-
(tr) to prevent
adjective
Usage
What does hinder mean? To hinder something is to make it harder for it to happen or be done, such as by delaying it or interrupting it. To hinder someone is to make it harder for them to do something.Close synonyms are hamper, impede, and obstruct. The word hinder is usually followed by the thing being hindered. It’s most commonly used in the context of progress, tasks, work, or other things that involve the completion of a goal.A person can hinder someone else’s progress or work by interrupting them, getting in their way, or putting obstacles in their way. This can be intentional or unintentional. Obstacles themselves can also be said to hinder a person’s progress. When an obstacle hinders someone, it gets in their way, slows them down, and prevents them from making further progress (until they find a way past it).Hinder can also mean to completely prevent or stop something from happening. However, in most cases, hinder doesn’t mean to stop something completely—only to slow its progress or delay it temporarily by making it more difficult to do.Something that hinders can be called a hindrance.Example: This traffic jam might hinder our ability to get there on time, but I’m going to try a detour.
Related Words
See prevent.
Other Word Forms
- hinderer noun
- hindering adjective
Etymology
Origin of hinder1
First recorded before 1000; from Middle English hindren, Old English hindrian “to hold back,” equivalent to hinder hinder 2 + -ian, causative verb suffix
Origin of hinder2
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; compare Old English hinder (adverb) “behind”; cognate with German hinter (preposition) “behind”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It got to the point, he says, that it was hindering his day-to-day life and he started to feel "really down".
From BBC
Limited resources and extreme weather hampered police efforts, with searchers hindered by heavy rainfall, freezing conditions and snow.
From BBC
Investor concerns about AI’s disruptive impact on sectors like software are hindering the S&P 500 from breaking 7000.
From Barron's
An FBI spokesperson disputed the allegations that Patel's travels in any way hindered investigations.
From BBC
Mexico’s GDP grew 0.8% last year, and policy choices like tax uncertainty hinder foreign direct investment, despite stock market gains.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
