hamper
verb (used with object)
to hold back; hinder; impede.
was hampering
-
past progressiveof hamper.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Fire department spokesman Jack Paez said the rocky terrain was hampering rescue efforts involving about 30 police officers and firefighters.
From Barron's ● Nov. 12, 2025
Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood said Wednesday that that prioritization was hampering growth in Azure, which is expected to slow to a 37% growth pace in the current quarter.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 31, 2025
State news reported that an enormous operation involving at least 20 search-and-rescue teams was underway, but that inclement weather was hampering the effort.
From New York Times ● May 19, 2024
P&G arguably gained from the change, as Peltz’s presence helped it simplify a chaotic management bureaucracy that arguably was hampering its performance.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2024
To the west, the Demeter cabin and Grovers nature spirits had turned Sixth Avenue into a jungle that was hampering a squadron of Kronos s demigods.
From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan
