hamper
pronunciation
How to pronounce hamper in British English:
UK [ˈhæmpə(r)]
How to pronounce hamper in American English:
US [ˈhæmpər]
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- Noun:
- a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner)
- a basket usually with a cover
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- Verb:
- prevent the progress or free movement of
- put at a disadvantage
Word Origin
- hamper (v.)
- late 14c., hampren "to surround, imprison, confine," also "to pack in a container;" of uncertain origin; probably from hamper (n.1), unless it is somehow connected to Middle English hamelian "to maim." Meaning "impede in motion or progress" is from late 14c. Related: Hampered; hampering.
- hamper (n.1)
- "large basket," early 14c., hampyre, probably a contraction of Anglo-French hanaper (Anglo-Latin hanepario), from Old French hanepier "case for holding a large goblet or cup;" in medical use "skull," also "helmet; armored leather cap," from hanap "goblet, chalice," from Frankish or some other Germanic source (cognates: Old Saxon hnapp "cup, bowl;" Old High German hnapf, German Napf, Old English hnæpp). The first -a- may be a French attempt to render Germanic hn- into an acceptable Romanic form. The English word also meant "the department of Chancery into which fees were paid for sealing and enrolling charters, etc." (15c.).
- hamper (n.2)
- "things important for a ship but in the way at certain times" (Klein's definition), 1835, from hamper (n.) "a fetter, shackles," from French hamper "to impede." Hence top hamper, originally "upper masts, spars, rigging, etc. of a sailing ship."
Example
- 1. Provincial barriers to trade hamper the efficient allocation of resources .
- 2. That may hamper his efforts to run for president .
- 3. That could hamper multinationals which need to send data across national borders .
- 4. Even if china is not out to dethrone the us , its ascension will hamper it nevertheless .
- 5. Tons of snow hamper your movements .