Hobble

/ˈhɒb.əl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a limp or a painful way of walking.

His hobble was evident after he fell off his bike.

verb

to walk in an awkward way, typically because of pain or injury.

After twisting her ankle, she had to hobble along the street.

to impose restrictions on someone or something that limits their movement or effectiveness.

The new regulations may hobble the company's ability to innovate.

Middle English 'hoblen', of uncertain origin

hobble along

To walk awkwardly or unsteadily.

hobble a horse

To restrain a horse by tying its legs.

hobble together

To assemble something in a makeshift or clumsy manner.

limp

To walk with difficulty, usually because of an injury.

stumble

To trip or lose balance while walking.

trudge

To walk slowly and with heavy steps.

To move slowly or awkwardly.

After that workout, I was hobbling around all day.

To be slowed down or limited in activity.

His injury really hobbled his performance this season.