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Translate files Hamstring
/ˈhæm.strɪŋ/
Meaning & Definition
noun
Either of two groups of muscles at the back of the thigh that function to flex the knee
He strained his hamstring during the soccer match and had to leave the field.
The tendons behind the knee
She felt a sharp pain in her hamstring after running too quickly.
verb
To cripple or disable by cutting the hamstring muscle
The villain tried to hamstring the hero to prevent him from escaping.
To hinder or obstruct the effectiveness of something
The new regulations may hamstring the company's ability to innovate.
Etymology
Derived from Middle English 'ham' (the back of the knee) + 'string' (referring to the tendons).
Common Phrases and Expressions
hamstring injury
An injury to the muscles or tendons at the back of the thigh.
hamstring one's efforts
To weaken or obstruct someone's efforts.
Related Words
tendon
A flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone.
ligament
A short band of tough, flexible tissue that connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint.
Slang Meanings
To hold back or limit in performance.
Working those long hours really hamstrings my ability to practice.
Referring to something that is restricting or annoying.
Those new policies are just hamstringing the creativity of the team.