hitch

Noun

1. A sudden pull.
2. Any of various knots used to attach a rope to an object other than another rope.
3. A fastener or connection point, as for a trailer.
4. (informal) A problem, delay or source of difficulty.
5. A hidden or unfavorable condition or element.
6. (slang) A period of time spent in the military.
7. A large Californian minnow, Lavinia exilicauda.
8. A hole cut into the wall of a mine on which timbers are rested.

Verb

1. (transitive) To pull with a jerk.
2. (transitive) To attach, tie or fasten.
3. (informal) To marry oneself to; especially to get hitched.
4. (abbreviation, alt-of, clipping, informal, transitive) Clipping of hitchhike, to thumb a ride.
5. (intransitive) To become entangled or caught; to be linked or yoked; to unite; to cling.
6. (intransitive) To move interruptedly or with halts, jerks, or steps; said of something obstructed or impeded.
7. (UK, intransitive) To strike the legs together in going, as horses; to interfere.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/hɪt͡ʃ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: hicchen

In summary

Probably from Middle English hicchen, hytchen, icchen (“to move; to move as with a jerk”), of obscure origin. Lacks cognates in other languages. Compare itch, hike.

Synonyms

catch

hobble

limp

snag

tie

fasten

trouble

problem

hindrance

hook

🪝

obstacle

jerk

hitchhike

knot

🪢

stoppage

thumb

enlistment

rub

preventative

kink

interference

buck

impediment

gimp

obstruction

encumbrance

difficulty

fetter

moor

arrest

stake

clasp

check

block

stay

bind

chain

preventive

secure

stick

knit

join

conundrum

interruption

matter

hang-up

halt

harness

flourish

stop

🛑

Translations

hic

Haken

🪝

εμπόδιο

intoppo

dificultad

accroc

boiter

anicroche

impedimento

αγκιστρώνω

rücken

θηλεία

τίναγμα

τράβηγμα

Knoten

🪢