ham·per
1 (hăḿpər)
[Middle English hamperen.]
transitive verb: -pered, -per·ing, -pers.
- To prevent the free movement, action, or progress of.
noun
Nautical- Necessary but encumbering equipment on a ship.
synonyms:
hamper1fetter, handcuff, hobble, hogtie, manacle, shackle, trammel These verbs mean to restrict the activity or free movement of: a swimmer hampered by clothing; prisoners fettered by chains; handcuffed by rigid regulations; hobbled by responsibilities; leadership that refused to be hogtied; imagination manacled by fear; shackled by custom; trammeled by debts.- See also: hinder1
ham·per
2 (hăḿpər)
[Middle English, alteration of Anglo-Norman hanaper, from Old French hanepier, a case for holding goblets, from hanap, goblet, of Germanic origin.]
noun
- A large basket, usually with a cover.