hamstring

[ ham-string ]

noun

1. (in humans and other primates) any of the tendons that bound the ham of the knee.
2. (in quadrupeds) the great tendon at the back of the hock.

verb (used with object)

, ham·strung, ham·string·ing.

1. to disable by cutting the hamstring or hamstrings.

   Synonyms: lame, hock, disable, cripple

2. to render powerless or useless; thwart:

   Their efforts were hamstrung by stubborn pride.

hamstring

/ ˈhæmˌstrɪŋ /

noun

1. anatomy any of the tendons at the back of the knee popliteal
2. the large tendon at the back of the hock in the hind leg of a horse, etc

verb

1. to cripple by cutting the hamstring of
2. to ruin or thwart

hamstring

/ hăm′strĭng′ /

1. A powerful group of muscles at the back of the thigh that arise in the hip and pelvis and insert as strong tendons behind the knee. The hamstring bends the knee and helps to straighten the hip.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hamstring¹

First recorded in 1555–65; ham ¹ + string

Word History and Origins

Origin of hamstring¹

C16: ham ¹+ string

Example Sentences

A hamstring injury had hampered any hopes of him leaving for the NFL draft.

From Los Angeles Times

This is what the Clippers were up against and they were without Norman Powell out because of a left hamstring strain.

From Los Angeles Times

The hit also tore his lateral cruciate ligament, shredded the cartilage in his knee and tore the hamstring off the bone.

From Los Angeles Times

After missing two games with a hamstring injury, Chargers corner Kristian Fulton returns to face talented Bengals.

From Los Angeles Times

After missing two games with a hamstring injury, Chargers corner Kristian Fulton returns to face talented Bengals.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• debilitate
• disable
• hinder
• hobble
• immobilize
• impair
• paralyze
• weaken