From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:
hindrance
n 1: something immaterial that interferes with or delays action
or progress [syn: deterrent, impediment, balk,
baulk, check, handicap]
2: any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome [syn: hitch,
preventive, preventative, encumbrance,
incumbrance, interference]
3: the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding [syn:
interference]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Hindrance \Hin"drance\, n. [See Hinder, v. t.]
1. The act of hindering, or the state of being hindered.
[1913 Webster]
2. That which hinders; an impediment.
[1913 Webster]
What various hindrances we meet. --Cowper.
[1913 Webster]
Something between a hindrance and a help.
--Wordsworth.
Syn: Impediment; obstruction; obstacle; difficulty;
interruption; check; delay; restraint.
[1913 Webster]