hindrance-n; 3 Senses

Sense Number 1: a physical difficulty or obstacle

Commentary: HINDRANCE[+state][+physical][+difficulty]
NOTE: refers to a specific physical difficulty

Examples:
His nearsightedness was always a hindrance when playing sports.
The fog posed a serious hindrance to our sailing safely back to the harbor.
The child was being more of a hindrance than a help in the kitchen. (current difficult behavior)

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: a burdensome context or situation

Commentary: HINDRANCE[+state][+abstract][+burdened]
NOTE: refers to a general condition or situation, not a specific action (see Sense 3)

Examples:
There are no apparent hindrances now to this bill being passed in both houses.
Critics worry that these regulations will pose a serious hindrance to technical innovation.
A big hindrance to offshoring our new project is the product license costs.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: the act of obstructing something or someone

Commentary: HINDRANCE[+action][+specific][+obstructing]
NOTE: this is the nominalization sense
NOTE: implies an agent performing an action

Examples:
They feel the ban on gay marriage is an intentional hindrance of their fundamental rights.
The referee called the move a hindrance to play and penalized the blue team.
People couldn't enjoy strolling in the park without hindrance from aggressive panhandlers.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3