hamper

1
[ ham-per ]
/ ˈhæm pər /

verb (used with object)

to hold back; hinder; impede: A steady rain hampered the progress of the work.
to interfere with; curtail: The dancers' movements were hampered by their elaborate costumes.

noun

Nautical. gear that, although necessary to the operations of a vessel, is sometimes in the way.

Origin of hamper

1
1300–50; Middle English hampren; akin to Old English hamm “enclosure,” hemm hem1

synonym study for hamper

1. See prevent.

OTHER WORDS FROM hamper

Example sentences from the Web for unhampered

British Dictionary definitions for unhampered (1 of 3)

unhampered
/ (ʌnˈhæmpəd) /

adjective

allowed to move or progress freely

British Dictionary definitions for unhampered (2 of 3)

hamper 1
/ (ˈhæmpə) /

verb

(tr) to prevent the progress or free movement of

noun

nautical gear aboard a vessel that, though essential, is often in the way

Derived forms of hamper

hamperedness, noun hamperer, noun

Word Origin for hamper

C14: of obscure origin; perhaps related to Old English hamm enclosure, hemm hem 1

British Dictionary definitions for unhampered (3 of 3)

hamper 2
/ (ˈhæmpə) /

noun

a large basket, usually with a cover
British such a basket and its contents, usually food
US a laundry basket

Word Origin for hamper

C14: variant of hanaper