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 review will also be allowed at the end of a point if a player feels his opponent may be guilty of hindrance.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

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

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

To the rest of us he complained that Camilla was out of her league, and a hindrance to serious scholarship.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt