Word of the Day: HAMPER
To hold up, hinder, or hobble
hamper (verb) - to restrict movement or impede [ham-per]
hamper as a noun refers to a large basket with a lid used for carrying items or holding dirty clothes
BREAKDOWN: The word hamper meaning basket has a clear lineage from Middle English hampere to Old French hanapier to the Germanic hanap meaning cup or bowl. Hamper as a verb is harder to trace; it may connect to the noun, in the sense of putting something in a hamper, or instead be based on the Middle English hamelian meaning to maim.
“Understanding the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life. Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it’s often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life paralysis.” —Brené Brown
[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not necessarily or obviously derived from classical roots.]