verb

make it difficult for (someone) to do something or for (something) to happen.

language barriers hindered communication between scientists

hamper,be a hindrance to,obstruct,impede,inhibit,retard,balk,thwart,foil,baffle,curb,delay,arrest,interfere with,set back,slow down,hold back,hold up,forestall,stop,halt,restrict,restrain,constrain,block,check,curtail,frustrate,cramp,handicap,cripple,hamstring,shackle,fetter,encumber,stymie,throw a spoke in the wheel of,bork,cumber,trammel