hamstring

noun ham·string \ ˈham-ˌstriŋ \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Examples: hamstring in a Sentence

Definition of hamstring

1 a : 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

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See hamstring defined for kids

Recent Examples of hamstring from the Web

Just 10 minutes in, Zverev clutched at his left hamstring.

— BostonGlobe.com, "Novak Djokovic is ousted in French Open quarterfinals," 5 June 2018
Especially focus on your hamstring and Achilles tendon if your activity keeps you on your feet.

— trihealth, Cincinnati.com, "5 tips for a safe, active summer," 5 June 2018
And Beltre was the cause of yet another shuffle, and will be until his left hamstring is deemed fit for everyday duty at third base.

— jeff wilson, star-telegram, "Choo stays hot, but Rangers' offensive troubles continue in loss to Angels," 3 June 2018
Each landed on the disabled list this week, with Hays dealing with an ankle injury and Stewart having suffered a hamstring problem over the weekend.

— jon meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles outfield prospects Austin Hays, DJ Stewart land on disabled lists," 30 May 2018
To prepare your body for this extended range of motion, stretch liberally beforehand, and take the time to loosen up your hamstrings with a foam roller.

— boris abrams, GQ, "How to Take Better Nudes," 17 May 2018
Schwartz, also a wide receiver in football signed to Auburn, has already redeemed himself after tweaking his hamstring last year as a junior at states.

— david furones, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Anthony Schwartz runs 10.07 as South Florida sprinters dominate 100 at state track," 5 May 2018
French striker Yann Karamoh missed two golden chances in front of goal with the hosts losing midfielder Roberto Gagliardini who was stretchered off in the first half with a suspected hamstring problem.

— emmeline moore, chicagotribune.com, "Serie A Recap: Inter move up to third with Cagliari rout," 18 Apr. 2018
The girl next to you may be kicking at Rockette height, but your hamstrings won't be questioning your sanity tomorrow, thank you very much.

— lauren le vine, Redbook, "10 Major Fitness Class No-Nos," 25 Sep. 2013

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.

First Known Use of hamstring

1565

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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hamstring

verb

Definition of hamstring

hamstrung play \ˈham-ˌstrəŋ\; hamstringing play \ˈham-ˌstriŋ-iŋ\

transitive verb

1 : to make ineffective or powerless : cripple

hamstrung by guilt

2 : to cripple by cutting the leg tendons

See hamstring defined for English-language learners

Examples of hamstring in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of hamstring from the Web

Responding to criticism of his inquiry into Greitens' use of Confide, Hawley has said lack of subpoena power in Sunshine Law cases hamstrung the investigation.

— jason hancock, kansascity, "Greitens and 19 staffers had secret texting app, far more than number reported to AG," 1 June 2018
The former New York mayor is on an exhausting schedule of nonstop appearances, making up arbitrary deadlines and hamstringing his client, and that much work calls for some self-care.

— luke darby, GQ, "Rudy Giuliani Got Booed at Yankee Stadium on His Birthday," 29 May 2018
But the Rule 5 picks aren't the only reason they're hamstrung out there without Zach Britton (Achilles) and Darren O'Day (elbow).

— jon meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles crushed, 11-1, by White Sox, owners of the American League's lowest-scoring offense," 24 May 2018
Trump is facing calls from Capitol Hill to not ignore Kim's human rights record during the potential sit-down — and failure to address those concerns could hamstring the congressional approvals likely required for any agreement with Kim.

— Fox News, "For North Korea summit, human rights an afterthought," 24 May 2018
Reneging on Open Skies agreements with the UAE would economically hamstring these companies — and this would challenge President Trump’s pro-business agenda.

— ashley nunes, Washington Post, "The U.S. and UAE resolved an air dispute. Or did they?," 15 May 2018
Nonetheless, veteran immigration advocates say Trump hamstrung himself by insisting, for months, on provisions that couldn’t attract enough support on Capitol Hill.

— Washington Post, "‘Trump blew it’: The president missed his best chance yet to get funding for his border wall," 22 Mar. 2018
Hawley has said his investigation was hamstrung from the beginning because the attorney general's office lacks subpoena power in Sunshine Law investigations.

— jason hancock, kansascity, "Subpoena issued for AG Hawley’s investigation records on Greitens’ secret texting app | The Kansas City Star," 8 May 2018
The new law, Sullivan said, allows states' attorneys general to prosecute federal trafficking cases, without waiting for federal prosecution that can be hamstrung by funding constraints.

— erica martinson, Anchorage Daily News, "Will a new federal sex trafficking law help Alaska’s endangered youths?," 3 May 2018

First Known Use of hamstring

1641

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

hamstring Synonyms

Synonyms

cripple, disable, immobilize, incapacitate, paralyze, prostrate;

Near Antonyms

energize, galvanize, invigorate, vitalize;

fortify, strengthen;

empower;

freshen, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, rejuvenate, restore, revitalize, revive;

hobble, lame;

maim, mutilate;

knock out;

HAMSTRING Defined for English Language Learners

hamstring

noun

Definition of hamstring for English Language Learners

: a tendon at the back of a person's knee
: a muscle at the back of a person's upper leg

hamstring

verb

Definition of hamstring for English Language Learners

: to damage or ruin the force or effectiveness of (something or someone)

Medical Dictionary

hamstring

noun ham·string \ ˈham-ˌstriŋ \

medical Definition of hamstring

1 a : 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