hinder
To create difficulties that slow progress or prevent success
Examples
In a meeting
“Poor communication is hindering our ability to meet deadlines.”
Over coffee
“My old laptop is really hindering my productivity.”
Why this word
prevent
hinder means creating obstacles that slow or impede progress, while prevent means stopping something completely
obstruct
hinder suggests making something more difficult without complete blockage, while obstruct implies more deliberate or complete blocking
slow
hinder emphasizes creating impediments to progress, while slow simply describes reduced speed without implying obstacles
Usage tip
Use when something creates obstacles or slows progress. Stronger than 'slow' but less severe than 'prevent.'
Etymology
Old English 'hindrian' meaning to keep back, harm, from 'hinder' (behind)
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Related words
roadblock
An obstacle that prevents progress
thwart
To prevent someone from accomplishing something; to block or defeat
protract
To extend or prolong something in time
impasse
A deadlock where no progress is possible
intractable
Difficult or impossible to manage, resolve, or control
friction
Resistance or impediment that slows progress or makes a process more difficult