Hobble: meaning, definitions and examples

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hobble

[ ˈhɒb.əl ]

^{Context #1}

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

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}

device

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

Synonyms

fetter, restraint, shackle

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "hobble" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mancar

🇮🇳 लंगड़ाना

🇩🇪 hinken

🇮🇩 terpincang-pincang

🇺🇦 шкутильгати

🇵🇱 kuśtykać

🇯🇵 足を引きずる (ashi wo hikizuru)

🇫🇷 boiter

🇪🇸 cojear

🇹🇷 topallamak

🇰🇷 절뚝거리다 (jeoltukgeorida)

🇸🇦 يعرج (ya'raj)

🇨🇿 kulhat

🇸🇰 krívať

🇨🇳 跛行 (bǒxíng)

🇸🇮 šepati

🇮🇸 haltra

🇰🇿 ақсап жүру

🇬🇪 კოჭლი

🇦🇿 axsaq

🇲🇽 cojear

Word origin

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.