hog-tie

verb

ˈhȯg-ˌtī 

ˈhäg-

hog-tied; hog-tying; hog-ties

transitive verb

1

: to tie together the feet of

2

: to make helpless : stymie

hog-tie scientific progress

Synonyms

• clog
• cramp
• embarrass
• encumber
• fetter
• hamper
• handcuff
• handicap
• hinder
• hobble
• hold back
• hold up
• impede
• inhibit
• interfere (with)
• manacle
• obstruct
• shackle
• short-circuit
• stymie
• tie up
• trammel

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hog-tie

verb

ˈhȯg-ˌtī,

ˈhäg-

1

: to tie together the feet of

hog-tie a calf

2

: to make helpless