verb

hinder

HIN-der/ˈhɪndər/

To make progress more difficult.

The sticky mud hinders the person's progress with the loaded cart.

Person struggles to push loaded cart through deep sticky mud, wheels bogged down and progress slowed.

Etymology

hinderOld Englishto harm, impair, or check

Old English hindrian covered harming, impairing, and checking. Its underlying image is putting or keeping something back, which connects these meanings with the modern sense of obstructing progress.

In context

The Project Manager Toolkit1:39

Limited personnel and equipment can hinder project progress. Proper resource allocation is necessary to meet deadlines and keep projects moving forward.

What Challenges Affect Project Delivery Timelines? | The Project Manager Toolkit News

More examples

A lack of funding can hinder scientific research.
Her recovery was hindered by repeated infections.
Constant interruptions are hindering my ability to concentrate.

Forms

hinder · hinders · hindered · hindering

hindrance noun — Something that makes progress more difficult.

Similar words

impede: Closely matches hinder but is generally more formal.
obstruct: Emphasizes placing a barrier in the way of progress.
delay: Emphasizes making something happen later, rather than making it harder.