Hobble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚶

Add to dictionary

hobble

[ˈhɒb.əl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

walking

To walk unsteadily or with difficulty, typically because of an injury or physical condition. It can also refer to restrict the movement of someone or something.

Synonyms

hamper, impede, limp, stagger, stumble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hobble	Used to describe someone or something moving with difficulty, often because of injury. It can be used both literally and metaphorically, such as hindering progress. He hobbled down the street after twisting his ankle. New regulations hobble the growth of small businesses.
limp	Describes walking with difficulty or unevenness, often due to injury or weakness. It usually applies to living beings. He walked with a limp after the accident. The injured dog limped away.
stumble	Refers to nearly falling or losing one’s balance while walking or running. Can also describe speaking or acting clumsily. She stumbled over the uneven pavement. During his speech, he stumbled over his words.
stagger	Describes a type of unsteady or lurching movement, often due to intoxication or weakness. Can also describe something shocking or overwhelming. After drinking too much, he staggered home. The news left him staggered.
impede	A more formal term often used in professional, legal, or academic settings to describe something that blocks or slows progress. Road construction will impede traffic for weeks. Their efforts were impeded by a lack of funding.
hamper	Typically used in a figurative sense to describe something that is preventing progress or movement. It is more formal and less about physical movement. Heavy rain can hamper construction work. His lack of experience hampered his job performance.

Examples of usage

She hobbled along on her crutches.
The injury hobbled his ability to play football.
The government's decision to hobble the company's expansion plans.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

device

A device used to restrict the movement of a horse by tying together its forelegs or hind legs.

Synonyms

fetter, restraint, shackle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hobble	Used when describing someone walking with difficulty due to injury or pain. It can also refer to movements that are awkward or restricted. After spraining his ankle, he could only hobble around the house
fetter	Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe limitations or restrictions imposed on someone’s freedom or actions. It can also refer to literal chains or shackles. The oppressive laws fettered the citizens' freedoms
shackle	Literally refers to metal restraints, typically used on the ankles or wrists to limit movement. Figuratively, it can describe anything that confines or restricts freedom severely. This term often has a more negative connotation. The prisoners were loaded onto the truck in shackles The debt shackled him, making it impossible to pursue his dreams
restraint	Used to refer to a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control. It can be physical like a strap, or metaphorical like self-control or regulation. The police used handcuffs as a form of restraint He showed great restraint by not responding angrily

Examples of usage

The horse had a hobble on to prevent it from running away.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Perspective

Hobbling can indicate an injury like a sprain or a fracture in humans and animals.
Doctors often recommend rest and ice to heal injuries that cause someone to hobble.
In some cases, assisting devices like crutches are used to help individuals who are hobbling.

Cultural References

The term appears in various folk songs and stories, often to symbolize struggle or hardship.
Hobbling has been used in literature to describe characters overcoming challenges or disabilities.

Animal Behavior

Hobbling can be observed in animals that have been injured, as they adapt their walking to avoid pain.
In horse terminology, hobbling is also a technique used to restrict an animal’s movement to prevent it from wandering.

Literature

Many authors use hobbling as a metaphor for life's difficulties and the struggle of moving forward despite obstacles.
In classic novels, characters often hobble through emotional hardships, showcasing resilience.

Origin of 'hobble'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Middle English 'hoblen,' which means to walk unsteadily.
It may have connections to the word 'hobb,' which refers to a hobble for animals that prevents their full movement.

The word 'hobble' originated from the Middle English word 'hobelen', which meant 'to move along at a slow pace'. It is believed to have roots in the Old French word 'hober', meaning 'to rock or sway'. Over time, the meaning of 'hobble' evolved to include the idea of moving unsteadily or with difficulty, as well as restricting movement. The use of 'hobble' in the context of a device to restrict a horse's movement dates back to the 18th century.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,081 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
30078 fibril
30079 finalizing
30080 canopied
30081 hobble
30082 preterite
30083 arbitrated
30084 tasking
...