nobble

[ nob-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, British Slang.

, nob·bled, nob·bling.

1. to drug or disable (a race horse) to prevent its winning a race.
2. to convince (a person) by fraudulent methods; misrepresent or lie to.
3. to swindle; defraud.
4. to seize (a person); hold for arrest.

nobble

/ ˈnɒbəl /

verb

1. to disable (a racehorse), esp with drugs
2. to win over or outwit (a person) by underhand means
3. to suborn (a person, esp a juror) by threats, bribery, etc
4. to steal; filch
5. to get hold of; grab
6. to kidnap

Derived Forms

• ˈnobbler, noun

Other Words From

• nobbler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nobble¹

First recorded in 1840–50; back formation from nobbler, variant of hobbler ( def ) (dialectal phrase an 'obbler being taken as a nobbler )

Word History and Origins

Origin of nobble¹

C19: back formation from nobbler, from false division of an hobbler (one who hobbles horses) as a nobbler

Example Sentences

If this player turns up and is not nobbled by either Manchester United in the FA Cup final or Inter Milan in the Champions League final I am convinced City will achieve the Treble.

From BBC

It seems @COP26 Presidency has been nobbled behind closed doors by the US!

From The Guardian

A couple of hours before, Asher-Smith revealed a hamstring problem had nobbled her chances.

From BBC

"We found ourselves, strangely for a comedy show, at the mercy of developments in Westminster and Brussels," says Hodgson, who admits feeling "slightly nobbled" by the latest postponement.

From BBC

Free speech and peaceful assembly are severely restricted, media are censored, courts and judges are nobbled, and NGOs, religious minorities and human rights activists are harassed and persecuted.

From The Guardian