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
Relevance
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
And if the two bills end up combined, rather than the House rubber-stamping its own version of the Senate’s Genius Act, the crypto industry’s $100 million shot at enacting legislation could be seriously hamstrung.
—
Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 June 2025
The Federal Reserve may be hamstrung if inflation surges, unable to lower its key interest rates that tend to lift the economy and markets.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
Bracy Davis had been hamstrung by a state law preventing direct fundraising by lawmakers during the legislative session, which this year lasted until well into June.
—Steven Lemongello, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2025
Instead, the deal has been hamstrung by Trump’s personal animus toward CBS.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hamstring
Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 June 2025
The Federal Reserve may be hamstrung if inflation surges, unable to lower its key interest rates that tend to lift the economy and markets.
—Matt Egan, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
Bracy Davis had been hamstrung by a state law preventing direct fundraising by lawmakers during the legislative session, which this year lasted until well into June.
—Steven Lemongello, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2025
Instead, the deal has been hamstrung by Trump’s personal animus toward CBS.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hamstring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamstring
Verb
-
The widespread arrests have paralyzed parts of the city where high numbers of immigrants work, such as the Flower District downtown.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
-
The toe-biter’s venom first paralyzes its prey and then dissolves its insides.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Media implies entertainment and undermines the responsibility that journalists are supposed to have to report the truth and hold those in power accountable.—
HG Biggs,
IndyStar,
11 July 2025
-
And then the leftist media, which is looking to completely undermine our culture and our civilization, and knows that these things turn social norms on their head, pick up these concepts and promote them.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is 86 years-old and his political power is weakened following the short war with Israel.—
Jackie Northam,
NPR,
9 July 2025
-
The June jobs report showed strong headline numbers, but the underlying data pointed to a weakening labor market.—
Danny Bakst,
Fortune,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
This decrease signifies a substantial revenue gap that could have incapacitated many companies.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Near the Bering Strait, the crew spotted the Brunswick, incapacitated after striking ice and surrounded by other whalers preparing to buy off its goods.—
Francine Uenuma,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hamstring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamstring. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share