hindering

Hindering is the act of delaying, obstructing, or preventing the progress or movement of a person, a process, or a goal. It can involve physical obstacles, misinformation, misdirection, or neglect, and can be intentional or inadvertent.

The term derives from the verb hinder, with roots in Old English and other Germanic languages, reflecting the sense of keeping back or delaying. Its use covers both everyday and formal contexts.

In everyday language, hindering describes actions that slow project timelines, complicate tasks, or obstruct cooperation. Examples include blocking access, withholding information, or failing to provide necessary resources.

In law and governance, hindering can be a prosecutable offense when it obstructs official investigations or legal processes. Many jurisdictions distinguish between hindering, obstructing, and obstruction of justice, with penalties that may include fines or imprisonment depending on the severity and intent. Typical examples include interfering with police work, concealing evidence, or providing false information to investigators.

See also: obstruction, obstruction of justice, impediment, delay, procrastination.