Meaning & use

hamper

verb·Academic

To hinder or slow down the progress or movement of someone or something.

See it in a sentence

Heavy snow badly hampered rescue efforts throughout the entire mountain region.

A lack of funding hampered the researchers' ability to complete the study.

A note on using this word

Do not confuse this verb with the noun "hamper," meaning a large basket for laundry or a picnic; the two senses are unrelated in meaning.

Words with a similar meaning

hinderimpedeobstruct

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. noun

A large basket, often with a lid, used for carrying laundry or food.

She packed sandwiches and fruit into the picnic hamper.

Make it your own

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