verb C2 Proficient Uncommon

hinder

HIHN-duh

Hinder (verb) means to make something more difficult or slow to accomplish; to get in the way of. Example: “Heavy rain hindered the rescue effort.”

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verb

To make something more difficult or slow to accomplish; to get in the way of.

"Heavy rain hindered the rescue effort."

"A lack of funding hindered the project from the start."

How to use hinder

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo slow something down or block its progress.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "hind" (the adjective for "rear") — "hinder" is the verb meaning to obstruct.

Easily confused with

hinder → hind →

Common pairings

hinder progress hinder efforts hinder growth

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

hindered past tense, hinders plural, hinders singular

Test yourself on “hinder” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Heavy rain _____ the rescue effort.

Etymology

From Old English hindrian, from Proto-Germanic *hindrōną ("to hold back").

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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behedge blunt crimp delay difficult diminish forestay interfere intervene forslow frustrate get in the way

Antonyms

abet assist expedite facilitate further help hurdle nurture

Related words

help money further easy difficult waiting serve aid

Rhymes for hinder

kinder tinder cinder finder binder Linder grinder cylinder reminder remainder sidewinder

See all rhymes for hinder →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hinder” mean?

The word “hinder” means to make something more difficult or slow to accomplish; to get in the way of. In plain terms, to slow something down or block its progress.

How do you pronounce “hinder”?

“Hinder” is pronounced HIHN-duh (/ˈhɪndɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “hinder” in a sentence?

Here is “hinder” used in a sentence: “Heavy rain hindered the rescue effort.”

What is another word for “hinder”?

Words with a similar meaning to “hinder” include behedge, blunt, crimp, delay, difficult and diminish.

What is the opposite of “hinder”?

The opposite of “hinder” — its antonyms — are abet, assist, expedite, facilitate and further.

What part of speech is “hinder”?

“Hinder” is a verb.

Where does the word “hinder” come from?

The word “hinder” comes from Old English. From Old English hindrian, from Proto-Germanic *hindrōną ("to hold back").

Is “hinder” a common word?

“Hinder” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

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