# hinder

/ˈhɪndɝ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hinder
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to obstruct or delay

verb · CEFR B2

to make it harder for someone to do something or to slow down a process.

For teachers: to create an obstacle that impedes progress or makes an action difficult to complete. Transitive, requiring a direct object.

- The heavy rain will hinder our progress as we try to drive up the mountain.
- High interest rates and a lack of skilled labour continue to hinder the growth of small businesses in the region.

Usage: Often used with a direct object representing the person or process being slowed down.

### 2. the buttocks

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Humorous · American English

a polite or funny way to talk about a person's bottom.

For teachers: a euphemistic or slang term for the buttocks.

- He fell right on his hinder after slipping on the ice.
- The comedian made a lighthearted joke about his aging hinder, much to the amusement of the older audience members.

Teaching tip: This noun sense is quite rare and mostly found in older American slang; 'bottom' or 'rear' are much more common in modern speech.

### 3. at the back

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

relating to the back part of something.

For teachers: situated at the rear or back. Usually non-gradable.

- The animal has strong hinder legs that help it jump very high.
- The researcher noted a distinct marking on the hinder portion of the specimen's shell, which distinguished it from similar species.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it describes.

## Examples

- A lack of sleep will hinder your ability to think clearly.
- The heavy snow began to hinder the rescue efforts as visibility dropped to near zero on the mountain.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.