HAMSTRING Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

hamstring

verb

Definition of hamstring

as in to paralyze

to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move the downtown development committee claims that it's hamstrung by city ordinances protecting historic buildings

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hamstring The analysts said their supply chain checks suggest an all-glass iPhone, reportedly planned for September 2027, has been canceled, hamstringing its ability to raise average selling prices in the coming years. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 While the Cubs World Series odds will largely dictate their aggressiveness this deadline, they won’t be hamstrung by a lack of talent in their system. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 20 July 2026 We should not be hamstrung by the costs of gas, groceries and our utilities. — Michael Carbonara, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026 The Maginot Line for NHL players is 30, and there is considerable risk that once Robertson crosses over the big contract will hamstring his team because the chances of him maintaining his current goal-production drop every year. — Mac Engel july 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hamstring

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamstring

Verb

She is paralyzed from the waist down after a suicide attempt following killing her children.

— Carmel Wroth, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
Clancy, who was left paralyzed by a suicide attempt that followed the killings, was brought forward in her wheelchair to listen.

— Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of paralyze

Verb

Later’s 2026 research on Gen-Z creator ROI found that trust and authentic creator relationships matter more to conversions than simply maximizing reach, while over-scripting creators can undermine that trust.

— Sergi Cerrato, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
After that report, and Warsh's tough talk on inflation late last month, most economists argue that Warsh will have to hike rates or risk undermining his credibility with financial markets.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of undermine

Verb

Dairy cows are producing less milk and birthing fewer or weakened calves.

— Vivian Song, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Though Hurricane Marie continues to weaken in the southern Pacific Ocean — and is expected to remain hundreds of miles off the Southern California coastline — the region can still expect to feel some effects from the storm over the next few days.

— Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

Reeger became a hero after taking out several Klingon cruisers at the Battle of Zeta Reticuli, but he was actually incapacitated at the time and took the credit for George's heroic actions, stalling Kirk Sr's career in the process.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Prosecutors offered evidence Millete asked for hexes that would injure or incapacitate his wife, NBC San Diego reported.

— Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of incapacitate

Browse Nearby Words

hams

hamstring

hamstringing

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“Hamstring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamstring. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hamstring

verb

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