hamstring
Translation
to cripple, to severely restrict, to disable
Examples
The project was hamstrung by a lack of funds.
The project was hamstrung by a lack of funds.
The injury hamstrung the athlete's career.
The injury hamstrung the athlete's career.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to severely restrict the efficiency or effectiveness of (sth./sb.) The project was hamstrung by a lack of funds.
Similar Words
Synonyms: cripple, disable, impede, obstruct; Antonyms: empower, enable, facilitate
Etymology
From 'ham' (back of the thigh) + 'string' (tendon). Literally, to cut the hamstring tendon to cripple someone.
Memory Tips
Think of cutting the strings on a puppet, making it powerless. To hamstring something is to cut its 'power strings'.