Synonyms: hinder¹, hamper¹, impede, obstruct, block, dam¹, bar¹
These verbs mean to slow or prevent progress or movement. To hinder is to hold back and often implies stopping or prevention: The travelers were hindered by storms.
To hamper is to hinder by or as if by fastening or entangling: His clothes hampered his efforts to swim to safety.
To impede is to slow by making action or movement difficult: Our journey was impeded by a thousand obstacles (Mary Shelley).
Obstruct implies the presence of obstacles: A building obstructed our view of the mountains.
Block refers to complete obstruction that prevents progress, passage, or action: Do not block the way of inquiry (Charles S. Peirce).
Dam suggests obstruction of the flow, progress, or release of something: She dammed the brook to form a pool. He dammed up his emotions.
To bar is to prevent entry or exit or prohibit a course of action: The legislature passed laws that bar price fixing.