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

Seattle is a progressive playground, but its voters are tempting fate by returning to policies that hamstring police more than they do criminals.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Then that summer, during football practice, he tweaked his hamstring while running through routes at tight end.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

With fears Gyokeres could be out for longer with a hamstring problem, Merino will need to remain front and centre to help Arsenal's cause.

Read more on BBC

Senators who oppose the American use of military force are trying again to hamstring presidential military action.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Going into this weekend, Daniels had already missed three games with knee and hamstring injuries and the Commanders had struggled to a 3-5 record.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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