To hinder is to make it difficult for someone or something to do something, or to slow down progress. It does not completely stop action, but it gets in the way.
From Old English “hindrian,” meaning “to injure or impair,” related to “hinder” meaning “behind.” The idea is of holding something back or keeping it from moving forward.
Hindering is like putting invisible weights on someone’s ankles—movement is still possible, just slower and more exhausting. Sometimes we hinder ourselves with doubt or distraction more than any outside barrier does. Noticing what actually hinders you can be more powerful than looking for what helps.
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