Definitions and Distinctions
Hamper means to impede progress or movement. It describes physical or figurative obstruction. Hinder, on the other hand, means to create difficulties or obstacles slowing or preventing progress. It describes an action or condition.
Usage Examples
Financial troubles hindered buying a home.
Example sentence for hamper:
I was hampered by a lack of information.
Part of speech for hamper:
Verb: To impede in motion or progress; to embarrass; to encumber.
Noun: A basket or container used for carrying or storing items.
Example of a hindrance:
An example of a hindrance is a road block preventing you from getting where you need to go.
Synonym for hinder:
"Hinder" generally means creating difficulties or obstruction.
Antonym for hamper:
OPPOSITES FOR hamper. 1 further, encourage, facilitate.
Related Terms
Hamper Noun:
A large basket, usually with a cover, used for packing and carrying articles, such as a hamper of wine or a clothes hamper.
Hinder Verb:
To keep back; to delay or impede; to prevent.
Contextual Considerations
In a medical context, a patient’s behavior that prevents recovery from a disease would be said to be hampering or hindering their way to recovery, depending on the nature and extent of the obstruction to progress.
As verbs, both hampering and hindering involve making something difficult to accomplish; to frustrate or act as an obstacle. Hamper may suggest more physical restraint, while hinder can apply to any form of obstruction.
- Verb list for impeding actions:
- hinder
- handicap
- hold up
- prevent
- restrict
- frustrate
- curb
- slow down
- restrain
- hamstring
- interfere with
- cramp
- thwart
- obstruct
- impede
- hobble
- fetter
- encumber
- trammel
Differences and Clarifications
Hamper vs. Hinder
The key difference between the two words lies in the degree of impact they have on progress. Hamper refers to an obstacle that slows down or restricts progress, while hinder means to delay or prevent progress altogether.
Help vs. Hinder
Help is to provide assistance, while hinder is to create obstacles or make an accomplishment difficult.