hamstring

noun

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ham·string | \ ˈham-ˌstriŋ

Definition of hamstring

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : either of two groups of tendons at the back of the human knee

b : any of three muscles at the back of the thigh that function to flex and rotate the leg and extend the thigh

2 : a large tendon above and behind the hock of a quadruped

hamstring

verb

hamstrung\ ˈham-ˌstrəŋ

\; hamstringing\ ˈham-ˌstriŋ-iŋ

Definition of hamstring (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to make ineffective or powerless : cripple hamstrung by guilt

2 : to cripple by cutting the leg tendons

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About hamstring

Examples of hamstring in a Sentence

Verb The mayor tried to hamstring our efforts by cutting the budget. The company claims it is being hamstrung by government regulations.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun When Solano initially strained his hamstring running the bases in spring training, he was evaluated by the Cincinnati Reds’ medical staff and never underwent an MRI scan. — Bobby Nightengale, The Enquirer, 12 May 2022 Lowry reinjured his problematic hamstring in Miami’s Game 4 loss at Philadelphia, casting doubt about his availability for Game 5 and beyond. — Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 10 May 2022 After watching the film, Williams noticed Booker making business decisions in regards to his hamstring. — Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 1 May 2022 When Donovan Mitchell drove the lane, elevated, then landed and immediately grabbed at his left hamstring in Monday night’s Game 5, there was 4:55 remaining in the game. — Eric Walden, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 Apr. 2022 Gebbia has never been known for being fleet of foot, but after enduring an arduous and seemingly endless rehabilitation, the play reinforced that his hamstring is healed. — Joe Freeman, oregonlive, 3 Mar. 2022 After straining his hamstring during an 80-yard run Sept. 11 at USF, Richardson practiced some last week. — Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, 20 Sep. 2021 The Giants added to their long list of injuries sustained this season, with Alex Dickerson straining his right hamstring running to first base in the 11th inning Friday night. — Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle, 4 Sep. 2021 Josh Donaldson missed the past four Twins games after straining his right hamstring during a 6-3 loss Saturday in Kansas City. — Christina Long, Star Tribune, 7 July 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Star shooting guard tweaked his left hamstring with less than 5 minutes to play in Monday’s blowout loss in Dallas. — Eric Walden, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 Apr. 2022 But the Astros lost Jose Altuve in the eighth inning with a strained left hamstring in the eighth inning. — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2022 Obi Toppin returned after missing five games with a strained left hamstring and scored eight points. ... — Brian Mahoney, ajc, 13 Mar. 2022 The 49ers emerged with a 34-26 win over the Vikings on Sunday despite losing two of their best players — wide receiver Deebo Samuel (groin) and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner (hamstring) — to injuries in the third quarter. — Eric Branch, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Nov. 2021 With outfielder Anthony Santander nursing a sore left hamstring, Nevin joined the team for its series finale last week in Philadelphia but wasn’t officially added to the roster, with Santander deemed able to play. — Nathan Ruiz, baltimoresun.com, 29 Sep. 2021 After all, the Blazers (32-24) were minus Damian Lillard (hamstring). — oregonlive, 19 Apr. 2021 Embiid sat out with back soreness and Harden with left hamstring tightness. — San Francisco Chronicle, 21 Mar. 2022 Harden, who starred at Arizona State, missed Saturday's loss at Golden State with a right hand strain after sitting Wednesday's game against Denver with left hamstring tightness. — Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 2 Feb. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hamstring.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for hamstring

Last Updated

19 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Hamstring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hamstring. Accessed 20 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for hamstring

hamstring

noun

ham·string | \ ˈham-ˌstriŋ

Medical Definition of hamstring

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : either of two groups of tendons bounding the upper part of the popliteal space at the back of the knee and forming the tendons of insertion of some muscles of the back of the thigh

b : hamstring muscle

2 : a large tendon above and behind the hock of a quadruped corresponding to the human Achilles tendon

hamstring

transitive verb

hamstrung\ -ˌstrəŋ

\; hamstringing\ -ˌstriŋ-iŋ

Medical Definition of hamstring (Entry 2 of 2)

: to cripple by cutting the leg tendons folklore has it that wolf packs try to hamstring their prey— John Madson