- hamper
-
I. transitive verb
(hampered; hampering)
Etymology: Middle English
Date: 14th century
1.
a. to restrict the movement of by bonds or obstacles ; impede
b. to interfere with the operation of ; disrupt
2.
a. curb, restrain
b. to interfere with ; encumber
Synonyms:
hamper, trammel, clog, fetter, shackle, manacle mean to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting. hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence <hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate>. trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net <rules that trammel the artist's creativity>. clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering <a court system clogged by frivolous suits>. fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost <a nation fettered by an antiquated class system>. shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom <a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice> <a people manacled by tyranny>. II. noun Etymology: Middle English hamper, hanaper, literally, case to hold goblets, from Anglo-French hanaper, from hanap goblet, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English hnæpp bowl Date: 14th century a large basket usually with a cover for packing, storing, or transporting articles (as food or laundry)
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.