WordValehinder
to create difficulties; to hold back
to hold back or delay
In more detail
1. (verb) to make it difficult or slow for someone to do something; to obstruct or delay
2. (verb) to prevent or block progress
Examples
- Bad weather hindered our progress on the hiking trail.
- Language barriers can hinder communication between people.
How to use hinder
Hinder is a fairly formal verb meaning to create obstacles or delays for someone's actions or progress. It is broader than obstruct (which emphasizes physical blocking) and slightly more formal than hamper. It is commonly used in business, academic, and policy contexts.
Common phrases
- hinder progress
- hinder development
- hinder efforts
- hinder someone's ability
Synonyms
obstruct · impede · delay · hamper · block
Opposites
help · assist · facilitate
Word family
hindrance (noun) · hindering (adjective) · hindered (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use hinder with a direct object of an action (e.g., 'hinder to do something') when the correct construction is 'hinder someone/something from doing' or simply 'hinder someone/something'.
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