hamstring
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to make it very difficult for someone to do something or for a plan to work.
v.to severely restrict the efficiency or effectiveness of a person, organisation, or process. Transitive; frequently used in political or business contexts.
Simple“The company was hamstrung by a lack of funding and could not finish the project.”
In context“The new regulations effectively hamstrung the small business, preventing them from competing with larger corporations that had more legal resources.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.one of the three muscles at the back of your thigh.
n.any of the three muscles at the back of the thigh that function to flex the knee and extend the hip.
Simple“The athlete had to stop running after he pulled his hamstring during the race.”
In context“The surgeon explained that a complete tear of the medial hamstring would require several months of intensive physical therapy to regain full mobility.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
v.to injure a person or animal by cutting the tendons at the back of the knee.
v.to cripple by cutting the tendons of the ham. Historically used in reference to livestock or combat; now rare outside of historical or literary contexts.
Simple“In the old story, the knight hamstrung his enemy's horse to stop him from escaping.”
In context“The ancient text describes how the retreating army hamstrung their pack animals to ensure the pursuing forces could not utilise them.”
Synonyms
Usage hamstring issue
From ham (“region back of the knee joint”) + string.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.