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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Recent Examples of hamstring
Already, the institute is hamstrung by the Trump administration’s order that all funding over $100,000 be reviewed and approved by Lutnick.
—
Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
The retail market is far too dynamic for the business teams to be hamstrung by a lack of visibility into what is happening in the business, and also with customers and competitors.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2025
The horrendous decision made in the Richard M. Daley administration to sell off that revenue for decades to come has hamstrung the city in all kinds of ways.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Several cases pending before the court could further hamstring the EPA’s ability to combat climate change and industrial pollution.
—Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hamstring
Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
The retail market is far too dynamic for the business teams to be hamstrung by a lack of visibility into what is happening in the business, and also with customers and competitors.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2025
The horrendous decision made in the Richard M. Daley administration to sell off that revenue for decades to come has hamstrung the city in all kinds of ways.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Several cases pending before the court could further hamstring the EPA’s ability to combat climate change and industrial pollution.
—Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hamstring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamstring
Verb
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Moving Forward With Strategic Confidence Economic uncertainty should not paralyze your business's strategy.—
David Zybin,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
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Horn was left partially paralyzed by the tiger attack and, after a brief comeback in 2010, the pair retired from show business.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
12 May 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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The current United squad may lack attributes needed for Amorim’s preferred tactical system to thrive, but yesterday exhibited a lack of mental focus that undermined every major action.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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Since returning to office, Trump has directed his administration to act aggressively against foreign nationals who the Administration has alleged are undermining American interests, particularly in the context of criticism of Israel and campus protests against the war in Gaza.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Others may develop it after pregnancy, as the muscles and ligaments around the uterus can loosen or weaken.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
10 May 2025
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This weakens their ability to tailor experiences and erodes marketing efficiency.—
Amit Jhawar,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Linda is prepared to take matters into her own hands when Nicky orchestrates a drone attack to incapacitate her, after which Charity pushes Linda off the cliff to her death.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
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In just one second, the United States is completely incapacitated, thousands are killed, and millions are stranded.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hamstring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamstring. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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