Definition of hobble
hobbled
;hobbling
play \ˈhä-b(ə-)liŋ\intransitive verb
: to move along unsteadily or with difficulty; especially : to limp along
transitive verb
1 : to cause to limp : make lame : cripple
2 [probably alteration of hopple to hobble] a : to fasten together the legs of (an animal, such as a horse) to prevent straying : fetterb : to place under handicap : hamper, impede
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Examples of hobble in a sentence
She picked up her cane and hobbled across the room.
She is sometimes hobbled by self-doubt.
He has been hobbled by a knee injury.
Origin and Etymology of hobble
Middle English hoblen; akin to Middle Dutch hobbelen to turn, roll
First Known Use: 14th century
hobble
Definition of hobble
1 : a hobbling movement
2 archaic : an awkward situation
3 : something used to hobble an animal
1726
First Known Use of hobble
1726
HOBBLE Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of hobble for English Language Learners
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: to walk with difficulty because of injury or weakness
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: to slow the movement, progress, or action of (someone or something)
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: to keep (an animal) from straying or wandering by tying two legs together
HOBBLE Defined for Kids
Definition of hobble for Students
hobbled
;hobbling
: to walk slowly and with difficulty
Medical Dictionary
hobble
Medical Definition of hobble
: something used to hobble an animal
Learn More about hobble
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See words that rhyme with hobble Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hobble Spanish Central: Translation of hobble Nglish: Translation of hobble for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hobble for Arabic speakers
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