Hamper - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A hamper is a large basket, typically used for holding laundry or storing items. It can also mean to hinder or obstruct progress, as in Bad weather may hamper travel plans.
Definition:
To hinder or impede progress, or a large basket used for storage or gifts.
Synonyms:
hinder, obstruct, impede, restrict, thwart
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
aid, assist, facilitate
Common Collocations:
picnic hamper, laundry hamper, Christmas hamper, hamper progress, hamper movement
Derivatives:
hampered, hampering
Usage Tips:
Use "hamper" as a verb for obstruction or as a noun for a basket; context clarifies meaning.
Common Phrases:
put a damper on things, basket case (contextual), in the way
Etymology:
From Old French "hanapier," meaning a case for goblets; later evolved to mean a basket or obstruction.
Examples:
- 1. The heavy rain will hamper our travel plans today.
- 2. She packed a picnic hamper with sandwiches and fruit.
- 3. Injuries can hamper an athlete's performance during the season.
- 4. The cluttered hallway hampers movement in the office.