Synonyms of hamstringing

hamstringing

verb

present participle of hamstring

as in paralyzing

to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move

the downtown development committee claims that it's hamstrung by city ordinances protecting historic buildings

Synonyms & Similar Words

• paralyzing
• crippling
• undermining
• weakening
• disabling
• incapacitating
• immobilizing
• undercutting
• sapping
• attenuating
• prostrating
• debilitating
• hobbling
• mutilating
• maiming
• enervating
• enfeebling
• tiring
• laming
• knocking out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• galvanizing
• strengthening
• energizing
• invigorating
• fortifying
• vitalizing
• restoring
• empowering
• reviving
• revitalizing
• regenerating
• rejuvenating
• freshening
• refreshing
• refreshening

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hamstringing

But if control of the House is tight, the left wing of the caucus may hold out to extract concessions from Jeffries — hamstringing his leadership and setting the tone for another potentially chaotic term. — Alexei Koseff, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2026

Industry stakeholders argued that the measure had the unintended consequence of hamstringing Hollywood’s recovery by limiting the ability of studios to use state incentives for in-state production. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026

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

For example, states would often impose tariffs on each other’s goods, even if those goods were moving only from Virginia to Maryland and vice versa, thereby inhibiting the development of a national market and hamstringing internal trade. — Jordan Cash, The Conversation, 8 June 2026

Connecticut has among the highest electric rates in the nation, with some officials and legislators arguing that is hamstringing economic development efforts. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2026

But in the business community, people worry about the proposals hamstringing Colorado’s competitiveness with other states, Colorado Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Loren Furman said Tuesday. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026

All three Eastern Conference teams are vying in what has become a wide-open race, with injuries hamstringing several teams. — Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

The team has had trouble finding traction this season, with early injuries and the six-game suspension of wide receiver Rashee Rice hamstringing their offensive efforts. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025