hinder

/ˈhɪndər/
verbIntermediate
general

to make it difficult for someone to do something or to slow down progress

His lack of experience hindered his ability to complete the project on time.

His lack of experience made it difficult for him to finish the project on time.

The new regulations hindered small businesses from growing.

The new regulations made it harder for small businesses to expand.

💡

Often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Collocations

hinder progressslow down or obstruct progresshinder someone's effortsmake it difficult for someone to achieve their goals

Synonyms

Antonyms

💡Pro Tip

Common Prepositions

Hinder is often followed by 'from' (hinder from doing) or 'in' (hinder in doing), though the latter is less common.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English *hindren*, from Old English *hindrian*, from Proto-Germanic *hindrōną* (to hinder). Related to Old Norse *hindra* (to hinder).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both literally (physical obstruction) and metaphorically (obstruction of abstract progress). Often followed by 'from' or 'in' in formal contexts.

Word Breakdown

hind-
to hold back or obstruct
root
+
-er
causative suffix (to cause to do)
suffix
English Dictionary