hamstring

[ ham-string ]
/ ˈhæmˌstrɪŋ /

noun

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

verb (used with object), ham·strung, ham·string·ing.

to disable by cutting the hamstring or hamstrings; cripple.
to render powerless or useless; thwart: Their efforts were hamstrung by stubborn pride.

Origin of hamstring

First recorded in 1555–65; ham1 + string

Example sentences from the Web for hamstrung

British Dictionary definitions for hamstrung

hamstring
/ (ˈhæmˌstrɪŋ) /

noun

anatomy any of the tendons at the back of the knee Related adjective: popliteal
the large tendon at the back of the hock in the hind leg of a horse, etc

verb -strings, -stringing or -strung (tr)

to cripple by cutting the hamstring of
to ruin or thwart

Word Origin for hamstring

C16: ham 1 + string

Medical definitions for hamstrung

hamstring
[ hămstrĭng′ ]

n.

Any of the tendons at the rear hollow of the human knee.
hamstrings The hamstring muscle.
The large tendon in the back of the hind tarsal joint of the quadruped.

Scientific definitions for hamstrung

hamstring
[ hămstrĭng′ ]

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.