Hamstrung: meaning, definitions and examples
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hamstrung
[ ˈhæmstrʌŋ ]
inhibit function
To hamstring means to severely limit or restrict someone’s ability to act or function effectively. It often implies being hindered in a way that prevents progress or success.
Synonyms
cripple, hinder, impede, restrict
Examples of usage
- The new regulations hamstrung the company's ability to innovate.
- Their plans were hamstrung by a lack of funding.
- She felt hamstrung by the bureaucratic process.
Translations
Translations of the word "hamstrung" in other languages:
🇵🇹 paralisado
🇮🇳 बाधित
🇩🇪 lahmgelegt
🇮🇩 terhambat
🇺🇦 паралізований
🇵🇱 sparaliżowany
🇯🇵 麻痺した
🇫🇷 paralysé
🇪🇸 paralizado
🇹🇷 felç olmuş
🇰🇷 마비된
🇸🇦 مشلول
🇨🇿 ochromený
🇸🇰 ochromený
🇨🇳 瘫痪的
🇸🇮 ohromljen
🇮🇸 lamslagður
🇰🇿 парализделген
🇬🇪 შეზღუდული
🇦🇿 sınırlanmış
🇲🇽 paralizado
Word origin
The term 'hamstring' originates from the combination of 'ham', which refers to the back of the knee, and 'string', relating to the tendons that connect muscles to bones. The literal meaning of hamstring pertains to the tendons behind the knee; historical practices involved cutting these tendons to incapacitate horses or soldiers. By the late 19th century, the word began to be used figuratively, evolving into a broader sense of hindering or limiting effectiveness in various contexts, such as business and personal endeavors. The figurative use reflects the debilitating impact that can result from restrictions or limitations imposed by circumstances or rules.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #32,059 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 32056 incising
- 32057 unsolvable
- 32058 excoriated
- 32059 hamstrung
- 32060 chaplaincy
- 32061 quadrennial
- 32062 disorienting
- ...