hamper
/ˈhæmpə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhæmpər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈham-pər/ (ame, mw) · /ˈhæm.pər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhæm.pɚ/ (ame, ipa)
hamper — verb
- hamperpresent simple I / you / we / they
- hampershe / she / it
- hamperedpast simple
- hampering-ing form
1. to make it difficult for a person, activity, or process to happen or continue as
to make it difficult for a person, activity, or process to happen or continue as usual, especially by putting obstacles in the way
The heavy snowfall hampered the rescue team's efforts to reach the stranded climbers.
hamper + noun phrase (efforts) as direct object
A shortage of skilled nurses has hampered the hospital's ability to treat all its patients.
hamper + someone's ability to + infinitive
Ming-Wei's injured wrist hampered his work as a chef for several weeks.
Strict visa rules can hamper international students who want to study overseas.
- help
opposite meaning in everyday use
- facilitate
formal opposite; to make a process easier
文法句型
hamper + noun phrase
hamper + someone + in + noun phrase
用法筆記
The subject of hamper is usually an external difficulty (weather, rules, lack of resources), not a person's choice. The object is typically an activity, effort, or process rather than a person directly.
常見錯誤
hamper — noun
- hampersingular
- hampersplural
1. a container that is larger than a typical box, usually with a fitted lid, used f
a container that is larger than a typical box, usually with a fitted lid, used for holding household items, food, or other goods
Grandma stores her winter quilts in a wicker hamper at the foot of her bed.
wicker hamper — material + type
The hotel staff brought a hamper filled with fresh fruit and pastries to the room.
Maria carried a plastic hamper full of apples and pears from the farmers' market.
A big picnic hamper sat on the blanket with bread, cheese, and lemonade inside.
用法筆記
This is the broadest noun sense. When the purpose is clear from context (laundry, gifts, picnic), speakers often use more specific terms like 'laundry hamper' or 'gift hamper.'
2. a collection of food, drinks, and small gifts neatly arranged in a basket or box
a collection of food, drinks, and small gifts neatly arranged in a basket or box, presented as a gift on a special occasion
The company sent each employee a Christmas hamper filled with wine, cheese, and biscuits.
Christmas hamper — seasonal compound noun
Sakura ordered a gourmet hamper of tea, honey, and chocolates for her host family.
Park's family won a luxury hamper of champagne and truffles at the charity raffle.
For his retirement, the staff collected money to buy him a hamper of fine foods.
- gift basket
the more common American English equivalent
- care package
similar idea but usually sent to someone living away from home
用法筆記
This sense is most common in British English. In American English, 'gift basket' is far more frequent. The items are typically packaged and presented attractively, not just thrown into a box.
常見錯誤
3. a container used in the home for holding dirty clothes, towels, and bed sheets u
a container used in the home for holding dirty clothes, towels, and bed sheets until they are washed
Every Sunday, Diego carried the full laundry hamper downstairs to the washing machine.
laundry hamper — most common compound for this sense
The bathroom hamper was overflowing with towels, so Amara started a load of washing.
A small plastic hamper in the corner holds the children's socks and shirts.
Lin found a forgotten banana in the bottom of the laundry hamper and groaned.
- laundry basket
more common in American English; often open at the top
- clothes basket
everyday alternative, less formal
用法筆記
In everyday conversation, many speakers simply say 'laundry basket' instead of 'laundry hamper,' especially in American English. A hamper usually has a lid, while a laundry basket may be open.
常見錯誤
❌ 'Throw your sweaty gym clothes into the bathroom hamper.' is correct — 'hamper' is a countable noun but often used without an article when modified by a room name (bathroom hamper, bedroom hamper).