hamper

1
[ ham-per ]
See synonyms for hamper on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to hold back; hinder; impede: A steady rain hampered the progress of the work.

  2. to interfere with; curtail: The dancers' movements were hampered by their elaborate costumes.

noun
  1. Nautical. gear that, although necessary to the operations of a vessel, is sometimes in the way.

Origin of hamper

1
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English hampren; akin to Old English hamm “enclosure,” hemm hem1

synonym study For hamper

1. See prevent.

Other words for hamper

Opposites for hamper

Other words from hamper

  • ham·pered·ly, adverb
  • ham·pered·ness, noun
  • ham·per·er, noun
  • un·ham·pered, adjective
  • un·ham·per·ing, adjective

Other definitions for hamper (2 of 2)

hamper2
[ ham-per ]

noun
  1. a large basket or wickerwork receptacle, usually with a cover: picnic hamper;clothes hamper.

  2. British. such a basket together with its contents, especially food.

Origin of hamper

2
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English hampere, variant of hanypere hanaper

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for hamper (1 of 2)

hamper1

/ (ˈhæmpə) /


verb
  1. (tr) to prevent the progress or free movement of

noun
  1. nautical gear aboard a vessel that, though essential, is often in the way

Origin of hamper

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

Derived forms of hamper

  • hamperedness, noun
  • hamperer, noun

British Dictionary definitions for hamper (2 of 2)

hamper2

/ (ˈhæmpə) /


noun
  1. a large basket, usually with a cover

  2. British such a basket and its contents, usually food

  1. US a laundry basket

Origin of hamper

2
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