hamper

hamper
    n 1: a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially
         something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner) [syn:
         {shackle}, {bond}, {hamper}, {trammel}]
    2: a basket usually with a cover
    v 1: prevent the progress or free movement of; "He was hampered
         in his efforts by the bad weather"; "the imperialist nation
         wanted to strangle the free trade between the two small
         countries" [syn: {hamper}, {halter}, {cramp}, {strangle}]
    2: put at a disadvantage; "The brace I have to wear is hindering
       my movements" [syn: {handicap}, {hinder}, {hamper}]
    

Hamper \Ham"per\ (h[a^]m"p[~e]r), n. [Contr. fr. hanaper.]
   A large basket, usually with a cover, used for the packing
   and carrying of articles; as, a hamper of wine; a clothes
   hamper; an oyster hamper, which contains two bushels.
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Hamper \Ham"per\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Hampered} (-p[~e]rd); p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Hampering}.]
   To put in a hamper.
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Hamper \Ham"per\, v. t. [OE. hamperen, hampren, prob. of the
   same origin as E. hamble.]
   To put a hamper or fetter on; to shackle; to insnare; to
   inveigle; to entangle; hence, to impede in motion or
   progress; to embarrass; to encumber. "Hampered nerves."
   --Blackmore.
   [1913 Webster]

         A lion hampered in a net.                --L'Estrange.
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         They hamper and entangle our souls.      --Tillotson.
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Hamper \Ham"per\, n. [See {Hamper} to shackle.]
   1. A shackle; a fetter; anything which impedes. --W. Browne.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Naut.) Articles ordinarily indispensable, but in the way
      at certain times. --Ham. Nav. Encyc.
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   {Top hamper} (Naut.), unnecessary spars and rigging kept
      aloft.
      [1913 Webster]
    

180 Moby Thesaurus words for "hamper":
      Oregon boat, anchor, bag, balk, bar, barrel, barricade, basket,
      bear hard upon, bilbo, bind, block, bond, bonds, bottle, box,
      box up, bridle, burden, burthen, camisole, can, capsule, cargo,
      carton, case, cask, chain, chains, charge, check, clog, collar,
      cramp, crate, creel, crimp, cripple, cross, cuffs, cumber,
      cumbrance, curb, curtail, deadweight, delay, difficulty, diminish,
      disadvantage, discomfit, embarrass, embarrassment, encase, enchain,
      encumber, encumbrance, encyst, enmesh, ensnarl, entangle, entoil,
      entrammel, entrap, entwine, fasten, fetter, foil, freight,
      frustrate, gag, gyve, gyves, halter, hamstring, handcuff,
      handcuffs, handicap, hinder, hobble, hobbles, hog-tie, hold up,
      hopple, hopples, hurdle, impede, impediment, impedimenta,
      imposition, inconvenience, inhibit, interfere with, involve, irons,
      jar, lade, lame, lash, leading strings, leash, lessen, lime, limit,
      load, lumber, make fast, manacle, moor, muzzle, net, obstruct,
      obstruction, onus, oppress, overburden, overload, overtax,
      overweight, pack, package, pannier, parcel, peg down, penalty,
      picket, pillory, pin down, pinion, pot, press down,
      press hard upon, prevent, punnet, put in irons, reduce, reins,
      rest hard upon, restrain, restraint, restraints, restrict, retard,
      rope, rub, sack, saddle, saddle with, secure, shackle, slow, snag,
      snarl, stocks, straightjacket, strait-waistcoat, straitjacket,
      stranglehold, strap, stumbling block, tangle, tank, tax, tether,
      thwart, tie, tie down, tie up, tight-fisted, tin, toil, trammel,
      trammels, trouble, weigh down, weigh heavy on, weigh on,
      weigh upon, weight, white elephant, yoke