hinder

¹

[hin-der]

verb (used with object)

1. to cause delay, interruption, or difficulty in; hamper; impede.

   The storm hindered our progress.

   Synonyms: trammel, obstruct, encumber
   Antonyms: encourage

2. to prevent from doing, acting, or happening; stop.

   to hinder a man from committing a crime.

   Synonyms: deter, block

verb (used without object)

1. to be an obstacle or impediment.

hinder

²

[hahyn-der]

adjective

1. situated at the rear or back; posterior.

   the hinder part of a carcass.

noun

1. Chiefly Northern and North Midland U.S.,  the buttocks.

hinder

¹

/ ˈhɪndə /

verb

1. to be or get in the way of (someone or something); hamper

2. (tr) to prevent

hinder

²

/ ˈhaɪndə /

adjective

1. (prenominal) situated at or further towards the back or rear; posterior

   the hinder parts

Other Word Forms

• hinderer noun
• hindering adjective

Word History and Origins

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of hinder¹

Old English hindrian; related to Old Norse hindra, Old High German hintarōn

Origin of hinder²

Old English; related to Old Norse hindri latter, Gothic hindar beyond, Old High German hintar behind

Synonym Study

See prevent.

Example Sentences

According to immigration law experts, it is unclear whether designating cartels as terrorist organisations may help or hinder their victims who seek asylum in the US.

From BBC

She returned with heavy strapping on her thigh, but it didn't seem to hinder her tennis as she opened the second set with an early break.

From BBC

Critics argue that lower funding could hinder preparedness for hurricanes, wildfires and other climate-related disasters.

From Salon

"These actions severely hinder broader efforts to deliver assistance and advance peace in Yemen."

From BBC

In an intense back-and-forth battle Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, the Sparks ultimately suffered a 76-75 loss to the Indiana Fever that hindered their push for a playoff spot.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• block 
• burden 
• crimp 
• curb 
• delay 
• deter 
• frustrate 
• hamper 
• hamstring 
• hold up 
• impede 
• inhibit 
• interfere 
• interrupt 
• obstruct 
• preclude 
• prevent 
• prohibit 
• retard 
• slow down 

When To Use

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.