Hobble: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ถ
hobble
[ หhษb.ษl ]
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.
|
limp |
Describes walking with difficulty or unevenness, often due to injury or weakness. It usually applies to living beings.
|
stumble |
Refers to nearly falling or losing oneโs balance while walking or running. Can also describe speaking or acting clumsily.
|
stagger |
Describes a type of unsteady or lurching movement, often due to intoxication or weakness. Can also describe something shocking or overwhelming.
|
impede |
A more formal term often used in professional, legal, or academic settings to describe something that blocks or slows progress.
|
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.
|
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.
device
A device used to restrict the movement of a horse by tying together its forelegs or hind legs.
Synonyms
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.
|
fetter |
Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe limitations or restrictions imposed on someoneโs freedom or actions. It can also refer to literal chains or shackles.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Examples of usage
- The horse had a hobble on to prevent it from running away.
Translations
Translations of the word "hobble" in other languages:
๐ต๐น mancar
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฒเคเคเคกเคผเคพเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช hinken
๐ฎ๐ฉ terpincang-pincang
๐บ๐ฆ ัะบััะธะปัะณะฐัะธ
๐ต๐ฑ kuลtykaฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ่ถณใๅผใใใ (ashi wo hikizuru)
๐ซ๐ท boiter
๐ช๐ธ cojear
๐น๐ท topallamak
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ๋๊ฑฐ๋ฆฌ๋ค (jeoltukgeorida)
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุนุฑุฌ (ya'raj)
๐จ๐ฟ kulhat
๐ธ๐ฐ krรญvaลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ่ท่ก (bวxรญng)
๐ธ๐ฎ ลกepati
๐ฎ๐ธ haltra
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐาัะฐะฟ ะถาฏัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแญแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ axsaq
๐ฒ๐ฝ cojear
Etymology
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
- ...