hamstring

[ham-string]

noun

1. (in humans and other primates) any of the tendons that bound the ham of the knee.

2. (in quadrupeds) the great tendon at the back of the hock.

verb (used with object)

hamstrung, hamstringing 

1. to disable by cutting the hamstring or hamstrings.

   Synonyms: lame, hock, disable, cripple

2. to render powerless or useless; thwart.

   Their efforts were hamstrung by stubborn pride.

hamstring

/ ˈhæmˌstrɪŋ /

noun

1. anatomy any of the tendons at the back of the knee

2. the large tendon at the back of the hock in the hind leg of a horse, etc

verb

1. to cripple by cutting the hamstring of

2. to ruin or thwart

hamstring

1. A powerful group of muscles at the back of the thigh that arise in the hip and pelvis and insert as strong tendons behind the knee. The hamstring bends the knee and helps to straighten the hip.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hamstring¹

First recorded in 1555–65; ham ¹ + string

Word History and Origins

Origin of hamstring¹

C16: _ham ¹ + _string

Example Sentences

Trent Alexander-Arnold's World Cup hopes were already in deep trouble even before he sustained the hamstring injury that has interrupted the start to his Real Madrid career.

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But, three games into this season, the 22-year-old tore his hamstring against Fulham and is likely to be out until December, missing England's next international camp.

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He added that the decision about whether to proceed with the prosecution was taken by the CPS, "who were hamstrung by antiquated legislation".

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Seam bowler Ben Sears will miss the England T20 series because of a hamstring tear, while all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been included.

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"Accidents do happen, though. They might be stretching for a ball and pull their hamstring, or they might roll their ankle - that's a freak sort of accident and it can happen."

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Related Words

• debilitate 
• disable 
• hinder 
• hobble 
• immobilize 
• impair 
• paralyze 
• weaken