Something that delays, obstructs, or makes something difficult; an obstacle or barrier to progress.
From Middle English, derived from 'hinder' (from Old English 'hindrian' meaning 'to keep back'). The suffix '-ance' converts it to a noun meaning 'the state of being hindered.'
Interestingly, 'hinder' is related to 'hind' (as in 'hind legs'), because the back legs of animals literally stay behind! This same root appears in 'behind,' showing how spatial language became the basis for describing obstacles and delays.
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