hamper
B2Formal to neutral (verb), neutral (noun - basket)
Definition
Meaning
To restrict or hinder the movement, progress, or efficiency of something.
To impede by placing obstacles in the way; or (n.) a large basket with a lid used for carrying food or laundry.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Verb: typically implies a significant, often frustrating, obstruction of progress. Noun: primarily refers to a container, but 'hamper' can also be a verb for this noun (to pack a hamper). The two meanings are etymologically distinct.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'basket' meaning is strongly associated with 'picnic hamper' in both, but 'laundry hamper' is more common in AmE. BrE also uses 'hamper' specifically for a large, often wicker, basket for food/drink (e.g., Christmas hamper). The verb usage is identical.
Connotations
Verb: Slightly more formal/concrete in AmE? BrE perhaps slightly more common in everyday news/sports contexts (e.g., 'hampered by injury').
Frequency
Both noun and verb are moderately frequent. The 'basket' noun might be slightly more salient in BrE culture (picnic hampers, festive hampers).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Agent/Force] hampers [Patient/Process] (e.g., Bad weather hampered the rescue.)be hampered by [Obstacle] (e.g., Progress was hampered by bureaucracy.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Put a hamper on (something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Budget cuts will hamper our expansion plans.
Academic
Methodological flaws hampered the study's validity.
Everyday
This heavy suitcase is really hampering my walk.
Technical
Signal interference can hamper data transmission.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The rail strikes hampered commuters across the Southeast.
- He was hampered by a lingering ankle injury throughout the match.
American English
- Poor visibility hampered the search and rescue efforts.
- Supply chain issues continue to hamper production.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We have a big hamper for dirty clothes.
- The rain hampered our picnic.
- He packed a hamper with sandwiches and fruit.
- The bad traffic hampered our journey to the airport.
- The charity delivers festive hampers to elderly residents.
- Strict regulations are hampering the growth of small businesses.
- The investigation was severely hampered by the lack of reliable witnesses.
- His deeply ingrained prejudices hampered his ability to judge the situation objectively.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HAMper (basket) full of heavy items - it HAMpers your ability to move quickly.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION / HINDRANCE IS A PHYSICAL OBSTACLE OR BURDEN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing verb 'hamper' with 'hinder' as a direct translation for 'препятствовать' - 'hamper' often implies a more tangible, burdensome obstacle. The noun 'hamper' is not 'хэмпер' - it's a 'корзина' or 'ларёк'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hamper' for minor annoyances (too strong). Confusing 'hamper' (verb) with 'hinder' (slightly less concrete). Using the wrong preposition ('hamper from' is incorrect; use 'hamper' + direct object or 'be hampered by').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'hamper' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a verb, it ranges from neutral to formal. It's common in news, reports, and academic writing. As a noun (basket), it's neutral.
They are close synonyms. 'Hamper' often suggests a burdensome or entangling obstacle. 'Hinder' is general for causing delay. 'Impede' is slightly more formal and suggests a physical or procedural barrier.
Almost never. Its core meaning is to obstruct or restrict, which is inherently negative in context.
Yes, but it might be less common than 'laundry basket' or simply 'basket'. 'Picnic hamper' is the classic BrE collocation.