hamper Hear it!

hamper1 definition

ham·per (ham′pər)

transitive verb

to keep from moving or acting freely; hinder; impede; encumber

Etymology: northern ME hampren, akin to hamelian, to maim (with freq. -er & intrusive -p-) < IE base *kem-, to press together > hem

hamper2 definition

ham·per (ham′pər)

noun

a large basket, usually with a cover

Etymology: var. of hanaper

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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