Here are some synonyms of the word "hindered" and an analysis of their usage:
1. Impeded
The word "impeded" means to slow down the progress of something or someone. It often implies a physical or metaphorical obstruction. For example, "The fallen tree impeded the hikers' path." Here, the physical presence of the tree is preventing the hikers from moving forward easily, just as "hindered" would suggest. It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as "Lack of funds impeded the development of the project." In this case, it's a non - physical barrier that is slowing down the progress, similar to how hindering factors can affect the smooth running of a task or an activity.
2. Obstructed
"Obstructed" emphasizes the act of blocking or getting in the way. It gives the idea of something being physically or figuratively in the way so that movement or progress is blocked. For example, "The protesters obstructed the traffic." This shows a clear act of blocking the normal flow of traffic. In a similar vein, "hindered" can also imply a kind of blockage, but "obstructed" is more forceful in suggesting a complete or significant barrier. For instance, if a document's approval process is hindered, it might just be slowed down, but if it's obstructed, it's more likely to be completely blocked.
3. Hampered
"Hampered" means to hold back or cause difficulty in the progress of something. It often implies a sense of being restricted or made less effective. For example, "The heavy rain hampered the construction work." Here, the rain is making the work more difficult and slowing it down, which is similar to the way "hindered" functions. The difference is that "hampered" might also suggest a more continuous or ongoing negative influence. For example, "His lack of experience hampered his performance throughout the competition."
4. Thwarted
"Thwarted" implies the prevention of the achievement of a goal or the success of a plan. It has a sense of deliberately or effectively stopping something from happening. For example, "The security measures thwarted the burglars' attempt." This shows a more decisive act of preventing the burglars from achieving their goal. While "hindered" can mean to slow down or make something more difficult, "thwarted" has a stronger connotation of completely foiling a plan or intention. However, in some cases, a series of hindrances can eventually lead to a plan being thwarted.
5. Retarded
This word means to slow down or delay the development or progress of something. It's a more technical - sounding term and is often used in contexts such as science or engineering. For example, "The cold weather retarded the growth of the plants." Here, the cold is having a negative effect on the growth rate, similar to how "hindered" can refer to a factor that slows down a process. However, "retarded" can sometimes have a more negative or clinical connotation, especially when used in relation to human development, so it needs to be used with care in such contexts.