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
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Recent Examples of hamstring
Both areas of concern show how the rising extremism in Congress intensifies these threats by hamstringing our ability to support causes abroad that advance our security interests.
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Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 9 Sep. 2024
In Washington, some wonks have worried that the United States’ extensive backing of Ukraine’s war effort has hamstrung its ability to bolster Taiwan’s defense.
—Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
The star brings his all, but the whole enterprise is hamstrung from the start — although Hanks gets to show off his romantic leading-man side for the first time in a while opposite a very appealing Sarita Choudhury.
27.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
Nadal's been hamstrung by injuries in recent years, forcing him to bow out of some competitions.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hamstring 
Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 9 Sep. 2024
In Washington, some wonks have worried that the United States’ extensive backing of Ukraine’s war effort has hamstrung its ability to bolster Taiwan’s defense.
—Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
The star brings his all, but the whole enterprise is hamstrung from the start — although Hanks gets to show off his romantic leading-man side for the first time in a while opposite a very appealing Sarita Choudhury.
27.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
Nadal's been hamstrung by injuries in recent years, forcing him to bow out of some competitions.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hamstring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamstring
Verb
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This move paralyzes them and causes the whale sharks to slip into a kind of trance.Rachel Raposas, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
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This situation has paralyzed our counterterror operation.Jennifer Griffin, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
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About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2023
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Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.Anthony Maluso, Baltimore Sun, 22 Mar. 2023
Verb
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At the time, law enforcement officials emphasized that North Korea's hacking operations were primarily profit-driven—a stark contrast to nations like Russia, China and Iran, which typically focus on espionage, intellectual property theft or undermining democratic systems.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
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Drake then accused Doughty of treason and undermining his command.Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Too much water can cause the fibers to weaken, become brittle, and break.Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
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In addition, hiring has slowed a bit in recent months, raising the risk that the economy could weaken in the coming months.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
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There are exceptions — generally speaking, those who are mentally incapacitated may be able to travel with an escort.Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2024
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On this day in 1919: President Woodrow Wilson suffered a near-fatal stroke that left him incapacitated until the end of his presidency in 1921.Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near hamstring
Cite this Entry
“Hamstring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamstring. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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