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

But, in doing so, she sustained a grade one hamstring strain and has withdrawn from the championships.

From BBC

We told him he was going to pull a hamstring.”

From Los Angeles Times

Two torn hamstrings later, the Olympic 800m champion would not change a thing.

From BBC

The uncertainty that injects could hamstring scientific research for a generation, or longer.

From Los Angeles Times

Now that Messi's getting older, and has moved to Miami, Webb reckons the two biggest risks the footballer faces are pulling his hamstrings and surviving hurricane season.

From BBC

Related Words

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