1. An unforeseen obstacle
   "The project encountered a major hitch";
   - hang-up, rub, snag
    
2. The state of inactivity following an interruption
   "There was a brief hitch in the proceedings when the microphone failed";
   - arrest, check, halt, stay, stop, stoppage
    
3. Any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome
   "The new regulations proved to be a hitch in the project's progress";
   - hindrance, hinderance [rare], preventive, preventative, encumbrance, incumbrance
    
4. A connection between a vehicle and the load that it pulls
   "They attached the trailer to the car using a sturdy hitch"
    
5. A knot that can be undone by pulling against the strain that holds it; a temporary knot
   "The sailor tied a quick hitch to secure the rope"
    
6. The uneven manner of walking that results from an injured leg
   "His pronounced hitch was a result of the accident";
   - hobble, limp
    
7. A period of time spent in military, diplomatic or other service
   "His hitch in Afghanistan lasted 12 months";
   - enlistment, term of enlistment, tour of duty, duty tour, tour

1. Fasten, esp. temporarily
   "He hitched the horse to the wagon before setting off"
    
2. Connect to a vehicle
   "They hitched the trailer to the truck"
    
3. To hook or entangle
   "One foot hitched in the stirrup";
   - catch
    
4. Jump vertically, with legs stiff and back arched
   "The horse hitched when startled";
   - buck, jerk
    
5. Travel by getting free rides from motorists
   "You can, of course, hitch anywhere that there are cars and traffic";
   - hitchhike, thumb
    
6. [N. Amer, informal] Walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury
   "The old woman hitches down to the store every day";
   - limp, gimp [N. Amer, informal], hobble

Derived forms: hitching, hitches, hitched

Type of: attach, connect, connecter, connection, connective, connector, connexion [Brit], gait, impediment, impedimenta, inaction, inactiveness, inactivity, knot, link, link up, move, obstacle, obstructer, obstruction, obstructor, period, period of time, ride, tie, time period, time span, walk

Encyclopedia: Hitch, Bryan