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
In addition to higher costs, a convention center expansion is also hamstrung by the city’s lack of control over a key waterfront parcel that would be needed to complete the project.
—
Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
But a big-money move to European giant Barcelona smothered him in weighty expectations and he was hamstrung with a plethora of injuries.
—Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
In a way, Sentimental Value is both boosted and hamstrung by the comparison to Worst Person.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Grossi wants the job, even though the international body has been hamstrung by infighting and failed to use political leverage to prevent or end recent conflicts.
—Robin Wright, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hamstring
Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
But a big-money move to European giant Barcelona smothered him in weighty expectations and he was hamstrung with a plethora of injuries.
—Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
In a way, Sentimental Value is both boosted and hamstrung by the comparison to Worst Person.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Grossi wants the job, even though the international body has been hamstrung by infighting and failed to use political leverage to prevent or end recent conflicts.
—Robin Wright, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hamstring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamstring
Verb
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Many of the last 50 years in state government were most notable for the paralyzing search to find the money to fund the budget.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
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At times paralyzed by self-doubt and criticism, Donatella believed in the life-changing magic of a great cocktail dress (or a good hair day) to elevate or protect yourself.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Measles is endemic in Somalia, where war and international aid cuts have crippled the medical system, and elsewhere in East Africa where residents here often travel.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
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In the current session the GOP think tank is conjuring ways to cut property tax, a move that will cripple county and city government’s capacity to provide services to their constituents.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Does this argument fit the full suite of facts, or are there inconvenient findings that undermine the argument?—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
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Bailey asserted that retiree speech could still undermine good order and discipline, and denied that Hegseth’s actions would extend the reach of the military’s punitive powers over retirees.—
Missy Ryan,
The Atlantic,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Investors don’t want to inadvertently cheer on weakening job growth that could negatively impact consumer spending and economic growth, hurting stock prices.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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The National Weather Service says the ridge keeping California dry since last month is beginning to weaken.—
Monica Garske,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In the first half of the Super Bowl against Cincinnati, Beckham suffered a complete ACL tear and was incapacitated.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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The two climbers, 47 and 50 years old, were requesting assistance, saying they were incapacitated and unable to continue their route.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hamstring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamstring. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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