I. ˈham-pər transitive verb
( ham·pered ; ham·per·ing -p(ə-)riŋ)
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)