Definition of hamstring
1a : either of two groups of tendons at the back of the human kneeb : 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
Explore M-W
First Known Use of hamstring
1565
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.
First Known Use of hamstring
1641
HAMSTRING Defined for English Language Learners
hamstring
playDefinition 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
Definition of hamstring for English Language Learners
-
: to damage or ruin the force or effectiveness of (something or someone)
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of hamstring
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 thighb: hamstring muscle
2: a large tendon above and behind the hock of a quadruped corresponding to the human Achilles tendon
Learn More about hamstring
-
See words that rhyme with hamstring Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hamstring Spanish Central: Translation of hamstring Nglish: Translation of hamstring for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up hamstring? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!