Hampered
'hæmpərd
Definitions
To restrict the progress or free movement of someone or something.
'hæmpərd
To restrict or impede movement or progress.
The rain hampered our outdoor activities.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to run a race, but there's a big, heavy backpack slowing you down. That backpack is like something that *hampered* you! For example, if rain hampered a picnic, it made it harder to have one.
👶 For kids: To slow something down or make it harder to do.
More Examples
The injuries hampered the athlete's performance.
Logistical challenges hampered the project's completion.
How It's Used
"Heavy traffic hampered our progress to the airport."
"Lack of funding hampered the company's expansion plans."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *hamperen*, derived from *hamper* (a large basket), originally suggesting entanglement or restriction.
The word 'hamper' and its derivatives have been used since the late 14th century, initially relating to containment and later evolving to mean restriction.
Memory tip
Imagine a hamper full of obstacles; they hamper your movement.
Word Origin
"To restrain or entangle, from a basket used for carrying goods."