Dictionary.com

hamper

1
[ ham-per ]
/ ˈhæm pər /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR hamper

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.

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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

Words nearby hamper

Hammond organ, Hammonton, Hammurabi, hammy, Hampden, hamper, Hampshire, Hampshire Down, Hampstead, Hampton, Hampton Roads

Definition for hamper (2 of 2)

hamper2
[ ham-per ]
/ ˈhæm pər /

noun

a large basket or wickerwork receptacle, usually with a cover: picnic hamper; clothes hamper.
British. such a basket together with its contents, especially food.

Origin of hamper

2
1350–1400; Middle English hampere, variant of hanyperehanaper
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to hamper

hinder, obstruct, inhibit, thwart, stymie, prevent, handicap, inconvenience, retard, frustrate, hamstring, hold up, curb, hobble, block, bassinet, carton, crate, creel, pannier

Example sentences from the Web for hamper

British Dictionary definitions for hamper (1 of 2)

hamper1
/ (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, nounhamperer, noun

Word Origin for hamper

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

British Dictionary definitions for hamper (2 of 2)

hamper2
/ (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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012