hindrance

[hin-druhns] / ˈhɪn drəns /

NOUN

obstruction, difficulty

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barrier deterrent drawback handicap hitch impediment interference interruption obstacle snag stumbling block

STRONG

albatross baggage bar catch check clog crimp drag encumbrance glitch gridlock hang-up impedance intervention joker limitation lock millstone restraint restriction stoppage trammel

WEAK

Catch-22 ball and chain cumbrance excess baggage foot dragging jam-up monkey wrench

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage aid assistance benefit opening

STRONG

freedom liberation release

WEAK

advance encouragement expedition promotion push

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A deliberate hindrance is defined as "the player meant to do what it was that caused the hindrance or distraction".

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Jack Draper was penalised with a controversial hindrance call as Daniil Medvedev ended the Briton's Indian Wells title defence in the quarter-finals.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

In Northern Europe, winter isn’t a hindrance for war, but in fact makes it more likely.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Severe winter weather can also be a hindrance, as it was last month.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026

These activities picked up considerably around holidays and my presence, brief and irregular as it was, was regarded as a hindrance and something of a reproach.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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