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
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Recent Examples of hamstring
Virtual reality headsets are still extremely hamstrung by the hardware.
—
Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 30 July 2025
While President Donald Trump’s crusade against American higher education has focused on the Ivy League and other elite private schools, colleges of all types and in all 50 states have been hamstrung by his sweeping cuts to research funding.
—Emma Whitford, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
If Samuel doesn’t pan out and McLaurin misses any time due to injury, Daniels’ pass production could be hamstrung by what would be one of the worst pass-catching groups, and all of the schedule elements appear unfavorable.
—Kc Joyner, New York Times, 23 July 2025
One federal agent tasked with assisting ICE on deportations said recent operations have been hamstrung by outdated addresses.
—William Turton, ProPublica, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hamstring
Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 30 July 2025
While President Donald Trump’s crusade against American higher education has focused on the Ivy League and other elite private schools, colleges of all types and in all 50 states have been hamstrung by his sweeping cuts to research funding.
—Emma Whitford, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
If Samuel doesn’t pan out and McLaurin misses any time due to injury, Daniels’ pass production could be hamstrung by what would be one of the worst pass-catching groups, and all of the schedule elements appear unfavorable.
—Kc Joyner, New York Times, 23 July 2025
One federal agent tasked with assisting ICE on deportations said recent operations have been hamstrung by outdated addresses.
—William Turton, ProPublica, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hamstring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamstring
Verb
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At a time when institutions are bending the knee to Donald Trump and the Democratic Party is paralyzed, the WFP is building capacity, strategically leveraging power, and engaging voters in cities big and small.—
Theo Oshiro,
New York Daily News,
14 Aug. 2025
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The breach paralyzed billing and claims systems for weeks across the U.S. healthcare network.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
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About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.—
Shira Ovide,
Washington Post,
4 Apr. 2023
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Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.—
Anthony Maluso,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Mar. 2023
Verb
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Trump’s suggestion of easing economic restrictions has drawn sharp criticism from European allies, who warn that any premature normalization could undermine the unified Western stance on sanctions and harm Ukraine’s position in ongoing negotiations.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
16 Aug. 2025
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Israeli authorities have stated that Chinese involvement in missile development or supply could directly undermine Israel's defense efforts.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But Goolsbee said Trump’s immigration crackdown likely has affected population growth and the jobs numbers, but that doesn’t mean the labor market has substantially weakened.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
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This means banana particles can remain between teeth for an extended period, giving bacteria more time to produce acids that weaken tooth enamel.14 6.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In November 2024, Morrissey claimed Williams was deemed permanently incapacitated in a court filing.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
13 Aug. 2025
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The allegation of being rapidly incapacitated by a glass of wine has an echo in another incident Levy included in her report, an accusation of rape and drugging made against Wang in 2006.—
Sammy Sussman,
Vulture,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hamstring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamstring. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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