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hamper
1[ ham-per ]
verb (used with object)
- to hold back; hinder; impede:
A steady rain hampered the progress of the work.
Synonyms: clog, trammel, encumber, obstruct
Antonyms: facilitate, encourage, further
- 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.
hamper
2[ ham-per ]
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.
hamper
1/ ˈhæmpə /
noun
- a large basket, usually with a cover
- such a basket and its contents, usually food
- a laundry basket
hamper
2/ 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
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Derived Forms
- ˈhamperer, noun
- ˈhamperedness, noun
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Other Words From
- hampered·ly adverb
- hampered·ness noun
- hamper·er noun
- un·hampered adjective
- un·hamper·ing adjective
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Word History and Origins
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Word History and Origins
Origin of hamper1
Origin of hamper2
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Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
Do loads frequently I’m guilty of letting the hamper fill up from time to time, but I try to do a load of workout clothes weekly so stuff doesn’t marinate in its own funk.
The stakes are high, the information is limited, and the questions pile up like laundry in the hamper — routine and never-ending.
She suggests using the smaller basket or larger hamper to hold blankets, toys or books.
The hamper is available in rounded edge or rectangular, depending upon your preference, and comes in 4 different wicker color finishes.
The basket holds up to 105L which is larger than most laundry hampers.
If Gentleman's Quarterly comes by for a photo spread, Palmer won't have to put a single sock in a hamper.
My daughter asleep, and her T-shirt in the hamper, my wife, I call her MZ, wanted a word.
Physicians in Florida are being threatened with a law that, if enacted, will seriously hamper their ability to do their jobs.
Another factor that might hamper the investigation is the transient nature of the homeless population.
Because we use knives and forks every day, we do not notice how they hamper us.
No further obstacle shall rise to hamper us once our backs are turned upon the ugly walls of Condillac.
It was, in fact, a regular dog's straw hamper, but it was lined with heavy quilted silk and padded with wool.
When the day arrived, the cat was tied safely up in a hamper, put in charge of the guard, and sent on its way.
Such knowledge, indeed, tends to hamper that free play of the imagination so necessary in this work.
When he returned he was followed by a waiter with a hamper to whose bestowal in the back of the car he looked carefully.
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More About Hamper
What does hamper mean?
To hamper means to hold back or impede something or someone, as in The road crew hampered traffic, causing a line of cars that went back for miles.
Figuratively, hamper can mean to interfere with or diminish, as in The singers practicing in the next room really hampered my ability to study.
Related to this in nautical terms, a hamper is gear that is necessary but gets in the way.
There is another sense of the noun hamper that comes from a different origin. This hamper is a large basket, often made of wicker (or something that looks like wicker) and having a cover. Most often, this type of hamper is associated with dirty clothes (a laundry or clothes hamper), but there are lots of things a hamper can hold, like a picnic lunch or small toys.
Example: I hope this rain doesn’t end up hampering the party at all.
Where does hamper come from?
The first records of the verb hamper come from the early 1300s. It comes from the Middle English hampren, which may have come from the Old English hamm, meaning “enclosure.” The first records of the noun hamper meaning “basket” come from the late 1300s. It ultimately comes from the Old French hanapier, meaning “to hold a drinking vessel.”
In the UK, a hamper can refer to not just the basket but also its contents, especially when it’s food. If your cousin sends you a hamper for your birthday, expect it to have lots of delicious treats in it—rather than their dirty laundry.
Did you know … ?
What are some other forms related to hamper?
- hamperedly (adverb)
- hamperedness (noun)
- hamperer (noun)
- unhampered (adjective)
What are some synonyms for hamper?
What are some words that share a root or word element with hamper?
What are some words that often get used in discussing hamper?
How is hamper used in real life?
Hamper is used equally to mean “to hinder” and “a large basket.”
ikea furniture is supposed to be easy to put together yet somehow a laundry hamper has taken me 2 hours, 3 customer support phone calls, and a lot of screaming
— James Charles (@jamescharles) September 27, 2018
I never thought I’d ever express my frustration over the way this country’s internet service has made me feel that I’m paying a lot more than I’m actually getting. We constantly speak of progress but at times it’s the very people who can do something about it that hamper it. Sad.
— GARY VALENCIANO (@GaryValenciano1) October 1, 2018
Try using hamper!
Which of the following is NOT a synonym for hamper?
A. block
B. hinder
C. impede
D. aid
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