Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make something difficult or slow down the progress of something; to create obstacles or delays.
   • To prevent someone from doing something or something from happening easily.

Usage

• Verb (transitive): The primary use is to describe the action of causing an obstruction or difficulty. It is often followed by a direct object (what is being hindered) or by the structure "hinder someone/something from doing something."
  • Example: The bad weather will hinder the rescue efforts.
  • Example: Heavy traffic can hinder your journey to work.
• The verb "hinder" focuses on creating a slowing or obstructive effect, not a complete stop.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The tall grass hindered the runner's progress.
  • Lack of funding has hindered the development of the new hospital.
  • Please move your bag; it is hindering people from walking through the corridor.
  • His injury did not hinder him from completing the marathon.

Advanced Usage

• "to hinder progress/development": A common collocation describing the slowing of forward movement or growth.
  • Example: Bureaucratic red tape often hinders economic progress.
• Used in formal or academic contexts to discuss impediments.
  • Example: The study examined factors that hinder effective communication in large organizations.

Variants and Related Words

• Hindrance (noun): Something that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction.
  • Example: The lack of a permit was a major hindrance to starting construction.
• Hindering (present participle/adjective): The act of causing hindrance or serving as an obstacle.
  • Example: The hindering regulations were finally revised.
• Unhindered (adjective): Not obstructed or slowed down.
  • Example: The river flows unhindered to the sea.

Synonyms

• Impede: To delay or block by creating obstacles.
• Hamper: To hinder or impede in movement or progress.
• Obstruct: To block or get in the way of.
• Retard (formal): To delay or hold back in terms of progress or development.
• Stifle: To suppress or restrain, preventing development or action.

Antonyms

• Aid: To help or assist.
• Facilitate: To make an action or process easier.
• Promote: To support and encourage the progress of something.
• Advance: To move forward or help something progress.

Phrasal Verbs / Related Constructions

• "Hinder from": The most common construction, used to specify the action that is being obstructed.
  • Example: Nothing could hinder her from pursuing her dreams.
  • Example: The noise hindered the students from concentrating.

Idioms / Common Phrases

• "A hindrance rather than a help": Used to describe something or someone that causes more problems than assistance.
  • Example: Without proper training, the new software was a hindrance rather than a help.
• "To let nothing hinder you": An encouraging phrase meaning to not allow any obstacles to stop you.
  • Example: She was determined to succeed and let nothing hinder her.

Adjective

1. located at or near the back of an animal
   • back (or hind) legs
   • the hinder part of a carcass

Verb

1. put at a disadvantage
   • The brace I have to wear is hindering my movements
2. hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
   • His brother blocked him at every turn
3. be a hindrance or obstacle to
   • She is impeding the progress of our project