as in to paralyze
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move
the downtown development committee claims that it's hamstrung by city ordinances protecting historic buildings
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Recent Examples of hamstring
The same goes for Leigh as Susan, hamstrung from the start.
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Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
Reliance on high-stakes tests reinforces bias in education and creates a system that simultaneously hamstrings teachers and blames them for test results that are beyond their control.
—Diana D'amico Pawlewicz, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2024
The results were hamstrung by a 31% decline—worth $4 billion—in net income in the consumer and community banking sector, which JP said was driven in part by lower deposit balances and net interest income.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2024
Former employees and space industry stalwarts told Forbes that a severe cash crunch, business challenges and a cold reception to its latest fundraising efforts have hamstrung the company and led to extensive layoffs and pay cuts.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hamstring 
Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
Reliance on high-stakes tests reinforces bias in education and creates a system that simultaneously hamstrings teachers and blames them for test results that are beyond their control.
—Diana D'amico Pawlewicz, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2024
The results were hamstrung by a 31% decline—worth $4 billion—in net income in the consumer and community banking sector, which JP said was driven in part by lower deposit balances and net interest income.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2024
Former employees and space industry stalwarts told Forbes that a severe cash crunch, business challenges and a cold reception to its latest fundraising efforts have hamstrung the company and led to extensive layoffs and pay cuts.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hamstring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamstring
Verb
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Fear Of Failure: High-stakes environments can paralyze even the most capable leaders.Jackie Simon, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
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The undiluted isolationism of his campaign messaging could prove to be a straitjacket that paralyzes the Trump administration’s foreign policy at a critical time.Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
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About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2023
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Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.Anthony Maluso, Baltimore Sun, 22 Mar. 2023
Verb
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This is all designed to undermine future competitions.Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024
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The big picture: Trump could try to undermine the press through some of those regulatory openings, but the U.S. court system has a strong track record of protecting First Amendment freedoms should a media firm fight back.Sara Fischer, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Such a test would be a sign of China’s weakening influence over Pyongyang and could spur Seoul to try to acquire nuclear weapons of its own—a position that both South Korea and the United States officially oppose but is gaining traction in Western policy circles.Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
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With its climate leadership perceived to be weakening, New Zealand may get a cooler reception at COP than in previous years, especially from Pacific Island nations, Cooper said.Mahalia Dobson, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
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With Smith incapacitated, Affrunti says Reeves hid in the living room.Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024
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In 1980, most voters cast ballots in person with six exceptions for people who were incapacitated or absent on Election Day.Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 31 July 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near hamstring
Cite this Entry
“Hamstring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamstring. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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