Top 36 Slang For Hinder – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing obstacles, setbacks, or delays in a more casual and trendy way, look no further than our list of top slang for hinder. Whether you’re navigating the ups and downs of daily life or just looking to spice up your vocabulary, we’ve got you covered with the latest and coolest terms to describe those moments when things just don’t go as planned. So, buckle up and get ready to upgrade your lexicon with our fresh selection of hindrance-related slang!

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1. Hold back

To hold back means to restrain or prevent progress or success. It can refer to physically preventing someone from moving forward or metaphorically hindering their progress or success.

For example, a coach might tell a player, “Don’t hold back, give it your all!”
In a business meeting, someone might say, “Let’s not hold back any ideas, we need all the creativity we can get.”
When discussing personal growth, someone might reflect, “Fear of failure can hold you back from reaching your full potential.”

2. Slow down

To slow down means to reduce speed or impede progress. It can refer to physically reducing the speed of something or metaphorically hindering its progress.

For instance, a driver might say, “I need to slow down, the speed limit here is only 30 mph.”
In a race, a runner might tell themselves, “Don’t slow down, keep pushing until the finish line.”
When discussing a project, someone might say, “We need to slow down and make sure we’re not rushing through important details.”

3. Block

To block means to obstruct or prevent movement or progress. It can refer to physically blocking a path or metaphorically hindering someone’s progress or success.

For example, a basketball player might say, “I’m going to block this shot and prevent them from scoring.”
In a meeting, someone might suggest, “Let’s brainstorm ways to block our competitors from gaining market share.”
When discussing personal obstacles, someone might say, “Negative thoughts can block your path to success if you let them.”

4. Stymie

To stymie means to cause difficulty or prevent progress. It can refer to creating obstacles or challenges that hinder someone’s ability to succeed.

For instance, a difficult puzzle might stymie a person’s attempts to solve it.
In a game, a player might use a strategy to stymie their opponent’s progress.
When discussing a project, someone might say, “We encountered unexpected obstacles that stymied our progress.”

5. Foil

To foil means to thwart or prevent success. It can refer to actively preventing someone from achieving their goals or plans.

For example, a superhero might foil a villain’s evil plot.
In a competition, a skilled opponent might foil their competitor’s strategies.
When discussing personal challenges, someone might say, “I won’t let this setback foil my plans for success.”

6. Hamper

To hamper means to hinder or impede the progress or development of something or someone. It refers to the act of obstructing or slowing down a process or action.

For example, “The heavy rain hampered the construction work.”
A person might say, “Don’t let fear hamper your dreams.”
In a sports context, a coach might say, “The opposing team’s defense is trying to hamper our offense.”

7. Obstruct

To obstruct means to block or get in the way of something or someone. It refers to the act of creating a barrier or obstacle that prevents progress or movement.

For instance, “The fallen tree obstructed the road.”
A person might say, “Please move your car, you’re obstructing traffic.”
In a political discussion, someone might argue, “The proposed policy will obstruct economic growth.”

8. Inhibit

To inhibit means to restrain or limit something or someone. It refers to the act of holding back or preventing a process or action from happening or progressing.

For example, “Fear can inhibit a person’s ability to take risks.”
A person might say, “Don’t let your past mistakes inhibit your future success.”
In a scientific context, a researcher might say, “This chemical compound inhibits the growth of cancer cells.”

9. Frustrate

To frustrate means to hinder or prevent the accomplishment of something. It refers to the act of causing disappointment or discouragement by creating obstacles or difficulties.

For instance, “The constant delays frustrated the passengers.”
A person might say, “I feel frustrated that my hard work is not paying off.”
In a game or competition, a player might say, “My opponent’s strategy is frustrating my attempts to win.”

10. Impede

To impede means to delay or slow down the progress or movement of something or someone. It refers to the act of obstructing or hindering a process or action.

For example, “The heavy traffic impeded our journey.”
A person might say, “Lack of funding is impeding the research project.”
In a business context, a manager might say, “We need to remove any obstacles that impede productivity.”

11. Curb

To restrain or control something or someone, preventing them from progressing or achieving their goals.

For example, “The lack of funding curbs the development of new projects.”
A coach might say, “You need to curb your bad habits if you want to succeed.”
In a discussion about government regulations, someone might argue, “Excessive regulations curb economic growth.”

12. Deter

To prevent or discourage someone from doing something by creating fear, doubt, or uncertainty.

For instance, “The high cost of college tuition deters many students from pursuing higher education.”
A sign that says “Beware of dog” can deter potential intruders.
A parent might say, “I hope the consequences of their actions will deter them from making the same mistake again.”

13. Delay

To put off or postpone an event, action, or process to a later time.

For example, “The flight was delayed due to bad weather.”
A student might say, “I need to delay my study session until after work.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We need to delay the product launch to address some issues.”

14. Thwart

To prevent someone from accomplishing their plans or goals, often by using clever tactics or strategies.

For instance, “The detective thwarted the criminal’s escape plan.”
A sports team might say, “We need to come up with a game plan to thwart the opponent’s offense.”
In a discussion about cybersecurity, someone might say, “Strong encryption can thwart hackers from accessing sensitive data.”

15. Cripple

To severely impair or limit someone or something’s ability to function effectively or fully.

For example, “The economic crisis crippled the country’s economy.”
A person with a physical disability might say, “I refuse to let my condition cripple my dreams.”
In a discussion about technological advancements, someone might argue, “A cyberattack could cripple an entire infrastructure.”

16. Shackle

To shackle means to restrain or hold back someone or something. It implies preventing progress or limiting freedom.

For example, “The strict regulations are shackling the growth of small businesses.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “Don’t let fear shackle your potential.”
A person might complain, “These heavy workload and tight deadlines are shackling my productivity.”

17. Encumber

To encumber means to burden or weigh down someone or something, making it difficult to move forward or progress.

For instance, “The excessive paperwork is encumbering the process.”
In a conversation about financial struggles, someone might say, “Debt can encumber your ability to save and invest.”
A person might express frustration, “The constant interruptions are encumbering my workflow.”

18. Derail

To derail means to divert or cause something to deviate from its intended course, often resulting in a setback or failure.

For example, “A sudden disagreement derailed the team’s progress.”
In a discussion about career paths, someone might say, “Unexpected circumstances can derail your plans.”
A person might express disappointment, “The technical difficulties completely derailed the live stream event.”

19. Throw a spanner in the works

To throw a spanner in the works means to cause a disruption or obstacle that hinders progress or success.

For instance, “The unexpected power outage threw a spanner in the works for the event.”
In a conversation about project management, someone might say, “A sudden change in requirements can throw a spanner in the works.”
A person might express frustration, “His constant tardiness is throwing a spanner in the works for the team.”

20. Put a damper on

To put a damper on means to dampen or diminish the mood or enthusiasm of a situation or event.

For example, “The rain put a damper on our outdoor picnic.”
In a discussion about celebrations, someone might say, “A disagreement among family members can put a damper on the holiday spirit.”
A person might express disappointment, “The negative feedback really put a damper on my excitement for the project.”

21. Put the brakes on

This phrase is used to describe the act of slowing down or stopping the progress of something. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

For example, “We need to put the brakes on this project until we have more information.”
In a conversation about a relationship, someone might say, “He really put the brakes on our plans for the future.”
A coach might tell their team, “Don’t let mistakes put the brakes on your momentum.”

22. Hold up

To “hold up” something means to delay or interrupt its progress. It can refer to a physical object or a process.

For instance, “Sorry, I got held up in traffic and will be late to the meeting.”
In a discussion about a project, someone might say, “We can’t move forward until this issue is resolved and it’s holding us up.”
A friend might ask, “Can you hold up for a moment? I need to grab my jacket.”

23. Get in the way

This phrase is used to describe the act of obstructing or hindering progress. It implies that something or someone is preventing forward movement.

For example, “His fear of failure is getting in the way of his success.”
In a conversation about a goal, someone might say, “Don’t let distractions get in the way of achieving what you want.”
A parent might advise their child, “Don’t let negative influences get in the way of your dreams.”

24. Throw off course

To “throw off course” means to divert something or someone from their intended path or plan. It suggests a disruption or deviation from the original trajectory.

For instance, “The unexpected rainstorm threw off course our outdoor picnic.”
In a discussion about a project, someone might say, “The last-minute change in requirements really threw us off course.”
A coach might tell their team, “Don’t let a missed shot throw you off course. Stay focused on the game plan.”

25. Put a stop to

This phrase is used to describe the act of preventing or ending something. It implies taking action to halt or eliminate a particular activity or situation.

For example, “The new regulations put a stop to illegal fishing in the area.”
In a conversation about a bad habit, someone might say, “I need to put a stop to my late-night snacking.”
A teacher might tell their students, “Any form of bullying will not be tolerated. We need to put a stop to it.”

26. Halt

To bring to a stop or pause, often abruptly. “Halt” is a slang term used to describe hindering or preventing progress or movement.

For example, a coach might yell, “Halt! We need to regroup and come up with a new strategy.”
In a conversation about road construction, someone might say, “The ongoing repairs will halt traffic for several days.”
A person discussing a project deadline might say, “Unexpected issues have halted our progress, but we’re working to resolve them.”

27. Check

To impede or hinder progress or movement. “Check” is a slang term often used to describe hindering or slowing down someone or something.

For instance, a supervisor might say, “I need you to check your work before submitting it.”
In a discussion about a sports match, someone might say, “The defender made a great check to prevent a goal.”
A person discussing a financial situation might say, “Unexpected expenses have checked our ability to save money.”

28. Blockade

A deliberate hindrance or obstruction. “Blockade” is a slang term used to describe a deliberate action to prevent or hinder progress or movement.

For example, during a protest, activists might set up a blockade to prevent access to a certain area.
In a discussion about a labor strike, someone might say, “The workers formed a blockade outside the factory.”
A person discussing a political standoff might say, “The government imposed a blockade on imports as a form of economic pressure.”

29. Disrupt

To cause disorder or disturbance, often by interfering with a process or system. “Disrupt” is a slang term used to describe hindering or interfering with the normal flow or functioning of something.

For instance, a loud noise might disrupt a meeting and cause everyone to lose focus.
In a conversation about technology, someone might say, “The new app is designed to disrupt the traditional taxi industry.”
A person discussing a workflow might say, “Constant interruptions can disrupt productivity and make it difficult to focus.”

30. Restrain

To prevent someone or something from acting or progressing freely. “Restrain” is a slang term used to describe hindering or limiting someone’s actions or movements.

For example, a parent might restrain a child from running into the street.
In a discussion about self-control, someone might say, “It’s important to learn how to restrain yourself in certain situations.”
A person discussing a conflict might say, “I had to restrain myself from saying something I would regret.”

31. Oppose

To actively go against or resist something or someone.

For example, “I oppose this new policy because I believe it will have negative consequences.”
In a political context, someone might say, “I oppose the candidate’s views on healthcare.”
A group might organize a protest to oppose a specific law or regulation.

32. Resist

To refuse to accept or comply with something, and take action to counter or prevent it.

For instance, “She resisted the urge to eat junk food and stuck to her healthy diet.”
In a social context, someone might say, “We must resist discrimination and fight for equal rights.”
A person facing temptation might say, “I need to resist the urge to procrastinate and focus on my work.”

33. Retard

To slow down or impede the progress or development of something or someone.

For example, “The lack of funding is retarding the growth of the company.”
In an educational context, a teacher might say, “Extra support is provided to students with learning disabilities to prevent them from being retarded in their academic progress.”
A person trying to quit smoking might say, “Nicotine patches can help retard the cravings and make it easier to quit.”

34. Prevent

To take action to keep something from happening or to avoid it.

For instance, “Wearing a seatbelt can prevent serious injuries in a car accident.”
In a healthcare context, a doctor might say, “Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent heart disease.”
A person might say, “I always lock my doors to prevent burglaries.”

35. Suppress

To inhibit or repress something, often by force or authority.

For example, “The government suppressed the protests by arresting the leaders.”
In a psychological context, a therapist might say, “Suppressing your emotions can lead to mental health issues.”
A person might say, “I try to suppress my anger and stay calm in stressful situations.”

36. Balk

To balk means to hesitate or refuse to proceed or to do something. It is often used to describe someone who is reluctant or unwilling to take action.

For example, “He balked at the idea of jumping off the diving board.”
In a discussion about a challenging task, someone might say, “Don’t balk at the opportunity to learn and grow.”
A coach might encourage their team by saying, “Don’t let fear of failure make you balk at giving your best effort.”