crossword clue hamper – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "hamper" and need a quick solution or a deeper understanding, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue hamper" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CURB: To restrain or control, often used when an action is hampered.
FOIL: To prevent someone or something from succeeding, a direct synonym for hamper.
6 Letters
HINDER: To create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction.
BASKET: A noun definition of 'hamper', often a container for food or laundry.
IMPEDE: To delay or obstruct (someone or something in their progress).
THWART: To prevent someone from accomplishing something.
7 Letters
PREVENT: To stop something from happening or someone from doing something.
8 Letters
OBSTRUCT: To block (an opening, path, road, etc.) or be in the way of.
More About "crossword clue hamper"
The word "hamper" is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings that crossword setters love to use. As a verb, it means to hinder or impede, causing difficulty or delay. This is its most common usage in everyday language and therefore often appears in crosswords with synonyms like OBSTRUCT, THWART, or PREVENT. Understanding the subtle differences in these synonyms can be key to selecting the correct answer based on the nuance of the clue.
However, "hamper" can also be a noun, referring to a large basket, especially one used for laundry or for carrying food (like a picnic hamper). This dual nature often trips up solvers who are only thinking of the verb meaning. A well-crafted crossword clue might subtly hint at the noun meaning by referring to an object, a container, or a specific event like a picnic. Always consider both possibilities when "hamper" appears in a clue.
When you encounter "hamper" in a crossword, ask yourself: Is the clue describing an action of impeding, or is it referring to a physical object? The surrounding words in the clue, as well as the number of letters in the answer, will guide you to the correct interpretation and solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words in crosswords, like "hamper," have more than one definition. Always think if the clue could be referring to an uncommon meaning of a common word, or a different part of speech (noun vs. verb).
- Check Letter Counts: If multiple answers seem plausible, the letter count is your ultimate guide. Double-check your proposed answer's length against the grid.
- Look at Crossing Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These can quickly confirm or rule out potential solutions, especially when dealing with ambiguous clues.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword clues often use synonyms or antonyms. For a verb like 'hamper', consider its opposites or words that describe preventing something.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'hamper' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'hamper' (as a verb) include HINDER, IMPEDE, OBSTRUCT, THWART, FOIL, and PREVENT. Depending on the clue's nuance, words like CURB or RESTRICT might also fit.
Can 'hamper' refer to a physical object in a crossword?
Yes, 'hamper' can also be a noun, referring to a large basket, typically with a lid, used for laundry or food (like a picnic hamper). If the clue is phrased to suggest an object, answers like BASKET or CRATE might be correct.
How do I distinguish between the verb and noun meanings of 'hamper' in a crossword?
Pay close attention to the phrasing of the clue. Clues for the verb meaning often involve action, obstruction, or difficulty (e.g., 'Impede progress,' 'Hold back'). Clues for the noun meaning will usually describe an object or its purpose (e.g., 'Picnic basket,' 'Laundry container'). The number of letters and crossing letters will also be crucial clues.