Any difference between "prevent from" and "hinder from"?

[popri]

Hi.
In LONGMAN's online dictionary, it goes, "Do not confuse with prevent (=to make it impossible for someone to do something): His poor health prevented him from going to work (NOT His poor health hindered him from going to work)."

However, some other dictionaries say that "hinder from" and "prevent from" are the same. I'm confused. Would anyone please explain to me in simple English?

 

[bhaisahab]

Please name the other dictionaries.

 

[popri]

THE FREE DICTIONARY BY FARLEX.
Collins English dictionary.
Merriam-Webster.

I didn't read them carefully, though.

 

[jutfrank]

They are not the same, despite what those dictionaries say.

Very basically, think of hinder as the opposite of help. Think of prevent as the opposite of allow. But be aware all four verbs use different patterns.

I don't advise using from after hinder.

 

[popri]

Thank you for your posting.
In Merriam-Webster, there is an example sentence: His financial troubles hindered him from buying a home.

I guess this would be the same as “His financial troubles prevented him from buying a home.”
Does the sentence using from after hinder sound awkward to you? I’d just like to know its meaning and proper usage.

 

[jutfrank]

His financial troubles prevented him from buying a home. (He wasn't able to buy a home.)

His financial troubles hindered him from buying a home. (He probably could buy a home but his financial troubles didn't help.

Does the sentence using from after hinder sound awkward to you?

Yes. I don't advise using from after hinder. I suggest using in.

His financial troubles hindered him in buying a home.

 

[popri]

Thank you for giving me an example sentence. It's very helpful for me to understand.