verb
hamper
HAM-per/ˈhæmpər/
To make progress or action more difficult.
The thick mud hampers the woman's efforts to push her bicycle forward.
Etymology
Middle English hampren covered both confinement and impeded movement: restricting people’s freedom also obstructs their progress. Its origin is uncertain, though it probably comes from the basket noun.
In context
the challenges arising from population growth rapid urbanization and changing weather patterns continue to hamper the provision of sustainable supplies of drinking water
More examples
- A lack of funding hampered the research.
- Constant interruptions are hampering my ability to concentrate.
- Tight clothing can hamper your movements.
Forms
hamper · hampers · hampered · hampering