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

The flanker missed the 2024 Six Nations because of a knee problem and the summer tour as a result of a hamstring injury.

From BBC

A hamstring injury then ruled the 27-year-old out of Bellamy’s first four games as Wales boss in September and October, but he has returned for this month’s Nations League matches against Turkey and Iceland.

From BBC

The new ownership say they do not want to be hamstrung by high wages as the previous regime were.

From BBC

Shaw suffered a hamstring injury in February that ruled him out of the remainder of the last Premier League season.

From BBC

Fulton locked down a starting cornerback spot before being slowed by a hamstring injury.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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