hinder

1 of 2

verb

hin·​der ˈhin-dər How to pronounce hinder (audio)
hindered; hindering ˈhin-d(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce hinder (audio)

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 noun

hinder

2 of 2

adjective

hind·​er ˈhīn-dər How to pronounce hinder (audio)
: situated behind or in the rear : posterior
a long oval forward part and a taillike hinder portionR. E. Coker
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Arbitrary rules shouldn’t hinder deserved recognition. Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025 However, choosing to avoid office politics can seriously hinder your career growth. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Objections from the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), however, may hinder plans for the new landing pads on the South Pacific atoll. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Weather conditions, though, are in the hands of Mother Nature — so hope for no rain, fog or haze that could negatively hinder the awesome view of the comet in the night. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hinder

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hinder was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hinder. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hinder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!