[syn: hindrance, hinderance, interference]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Hindrance \Hin"drance\, n. [See Hinder, v. t.]
1. The act of hindering, or the state of being hindered.
[1913 Webster]
2. That which hinders; an impediment.
[1913 Webster]
What various hindrances we meet. --Cowper.
[1913 Webster]
Something between a hindrance and a help.
--Wordsworth.
Syn: Impediment; obstruction; obstacle; difficulty;
interruption; check; delay; restraint.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
hindrance
n 1: something immaterial that interferes with or delays action
or progress [syn: hindrance, hinderance, deterrent,
impediment, balk, baulk, check, handicap]
2: any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome [syn:
hindrance, hinderance, hitch, preventive,
preventative, encumbrance, incumbrance, interference]
3: the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding [syn:
hindrance, hinderance, interference]