Words / B1

HAMP-uh/ˈhæmpə/

To hamper is to make progress or movement harder: hamper access; hamper recovery. Hinder is a close twin; prevent is stronger (stop completely). A hamper is also a food basket. Do not use hamper for a total ban. Flooded roads hampered ambulances.

Meaning

To make movement or progress more difficult.

Examples

• “Flooded roads hampered ambulance access to the estate.”
• “Staff shortages hampered the catch-up clinics after the strike.”

Good to know

hamper access / recovery / progress. Close: hinder. Stronger: prevent / block. Noun (basket): a food hamper. NHS access stories.

Near in meaning

hinder

New