hindrance

n 1: something immaterial that interferes with or delays action

or progress [syn: {deterrent}, {impediment}, {handicap}]

2: something that impedes or is burdensome [syn: {hitch}, {preventive},

{preventative}, {encumbrance}, {incumbrance}, {interference}]

3: the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding [syn: {interference},

{interfering}]