ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hinder

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɪndɝ// hin·der Archaic Humorous Slang

v. to make it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen. It is like putting an obstacle in someone's way so they move more slowly.

v. to create difficulties for someone or something, resulting in delay or obstruction. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the person or process being delayed.


SIMPLE

A lack of sleep will hinder your ability to think clearly.

CONTEXTUAL

The heavy snow began to hinder the rescue efforts as visibility dropped to near zero on the mountain.

COMPLEX

While the new regulations were intended to ensure safety, many small business owners argued that the excessive paperwork would only hinder innovation and economic growth.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English hindren, from Old English hindrian, from Proto-Germanic hindrōną, hinderōną (“to hinder”), from Proto-Germanic *hinder (“back”) (adverb). Cognate with Dutch hinderen and German hindern, Latin contra (“back, against”).

Etymology 2

Inherited from Middle English hinder, comparative form of hind: more hind.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used in the passive voice ('to be hindered by').

Pitfall

The rain hindered from us leaving.The rain hindered us from leaving.When used with 'from', the verb still requires a direct object before the prepositional phrase.

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