(hin′dər) v.t.
1. To keep back or delay; check.
2. To prevent; obstruct.
—v.i.
3. To be an obstruction or obstacle. [OE hindrian <hinder behind]
—hin′der·er noun Synonyms: baffle, balk, bar, block, check, clog, counteract, delay, embarrass, encumber, foil, frustrate, hamper, impede, obstruct, prevent, resist, retard, stay, stop, thwart. A railroad train may be hindered by a snowstorm from arriving on time; it may by special order be prevented from starting. To retard is simply to make slow by any means whatever. To obstruct is to hinder, or possibly to prevent advance or passage by putting something in the way; to oppose or resist is to hinder, or possibly to prevent, by directly contrary or hostile action, resist being the stronger term and having more suggestion of physical force; obstructed roads hinder the march of an enemy, though there may be no force strong enough to oppose it. Compare EMBARRASS, IMPEDE, LIMIT, PROHIBIT, RESTRAIN, SUSPEND. Antonyms: see synonyms for HELP, QUICKEN.

(hīn′dər) adjective
Pertaining to or constituting the rear. [OE]