First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1hamper
verb ham·per \ˈham-pər\
: to slow the movement, progress, or action of (someone or something)
ham·peredham·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of HAMPER
transitive verb
1
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Origin of HAMPER
Middle English
Related to HAMPER
Synonym Discussion of HAMPER
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>.
2hamper
noun
: a basket for food
: a basket for holding dirty clothes until they can be washed
Full Definition of HAMPER
: a large basket usually with a cover for packing, storing, or transporting articles (as food or laundry)
See hamper defined for English-language learners
Origin of HAMPER
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
First Known Use: 14th century
HAMPER[1] Defined for Kids
1hamper
verb ham·per \ˈham-pər\
ham·peredham·per·ing
Definition of HAMPER for Kids
: to keep from moving or acting freely <Snow hampered traffic.>
2hamper
noun
Definition of HAMPER for Kids
: a large basket usually with a cover <a clothes hamper>
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