hamstring

verb

Definition of hamstringnext
as in to paralyze
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move the downtown development committee claims that it's hamstrung by city ordinances protecting historic buildings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hamstring While the Cubs World Series odds will largely dictate their aggressiveness this deadline, they won’t be hamstrung by a lack of talent in their system. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 20 July 2026 We should not be hamstrung by the costs of gas, groceries and our utilities. — Michael Carbonara, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026 The Maginot Line for NHL players is 30, and there is considerable risk that once Robertson crosses over the big contract will hamstring his team because the chances of him maintaining his current goal-production drop every year. — Mac Engel july 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026 Russia and China use these vessels to cut cables with plausible deniability, exploiting gaps in international law that hamstring the US and its allies. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hamstring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamstring
  1. paralyze
  2. cripple
  3. undermine
  4. weaken
  5. incapacitate
Verb
  • Clancy jumped out of a window after strangling the children to death and was paralyzed in the fall.
    — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Clancy is now partially paralyzed due to her suicide attempt and is being held at Tewksbury hospital.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of paralyze
Verb
  • The administration did cripple Iran's nuclear program in 2025 with bombing strikes on various facilities, but since this war began, there's been no effective action taken against its nuclear program.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Shortages of Patriot air defenses leave Ukraine vulnerable as Russia repeatedly builds missile stockpiles, targets energy and private businesses, and seeks to cripple the economy ahead of winter.
    — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of cripple
Verb
  • Western officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of conducting a campaign of sabotage and disruption in their countries with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations, something Russia denies.
    — Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Western officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of running a campaign of sabotage and disruption in their countries with the aim of undermining support for Ukraine and destabilizing European nations, something Russian officials deny.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of undermine
Verb
  • Even if Korea can maintain 2% economic growth over the next two decades, consumption growth gradually weakens and eventually turns negative, according to Goldman’s long-term modeling.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Riggs said the Teamsters’ safety argument is weakened by the inconsistent safety record of human truck drivers, who have fallen asleep at the wheel or driven while distracted or otherwise impaired.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • First, the knife had to be able penetrate deep into its target, even through heavy winter clothing, to deliver a blow that would quickly incapacitate.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • All that before disorienting and incapacitating a potential school shooter in about a minute.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of incapacitate

Browse Nearby Words

hams
hamstring
hamstringing
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Cite this Entry

“Hamstring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamstring. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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