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hamper

1
[ ham-per ]
/ ˈhæm pər /
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See synonyms for: hamper / hampered / hampering on Thesaurus.com
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

Other definitions 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. 2023

Words related to hamper

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

How to use hamper in a sentence

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
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