hamstring
hamstring — verb
- hamstringpresent simple I / you / we / they
- hamstrings3rd person singular
- hamstringing-ing form
- hamstrungpast simple
1. to make a person, organization, or system much less effective, usually by limiti
to make a person, organization, or system much less effective, usually by limiting its freedom, resources, or power
The lack of funding hamstrung Dr. Mira Chen's research into rare diseases.
passive implied: be hamstrung by lack of funding
Ravindra's small bookstore was hamstrung by rising rent and fewer customers.
New safety rules have hamstrung the factory's ability to meet production targets.
Bureaucratic delays hamstrung the volunteers trying to deliver aid after the earthquake.
The peace talks were hamstrung from the start by mutual distrust between the two sides.
- hinder
less dramatic and permanent; hamstring implies a more serious, debilitating restriction
- cripple
very similar in meaning but hamstring often suggests restrictions imposed from outside rather than internal damage
- thwart
focuses on preventing a specific plan or goal rather than generally reducing effectiveness
文法句型
hamstring [someone/something]
be hamstrung by [something]
be hamstrung from [doing something]
用法筆記
Commonly used in passive constructions. This figurative sense appears frequently in news reports about politics, business, and organizations, and is far more widespread in modern English than the literal verb sense (sense 2).
常見錯誤
2. to disable a person or animal by cutting the strong tendons at the back of the l
to disable a person or animal by cutting the strong tendons at the back of the leg so they cannot stand or walk properly
The hunter hamstrung the deer to prevent it from running away.
literal: cutting tendons to disable
In medieval battles, soldiers would hamstring enemy horses to stop a cavalry charge.
historical context: used in warfare
The injured horse had been hamstrung by the sharp wire hidden in the grass.
Poachers in some regions hamstring large animals to keep them from escaping.
文法句型
hamstring [animal/person]
用法筆記
This literal sense is rare in modern English outside of historical writing, veterinary contexts, or discussions of hunting practices. The figurative sense (sense 1) is far more widely used today.
hamstring — noun
- hamstringsingular
- hamstringsplural
1. a set of five strong tendons positioned behind the knee, connecting the thigh mu
a set of five strong tendons positioned behind the knee, connecting the thigh muscles to the shin and calf bones
Sayaka felt a sharp pain in her hamstring after sprinting for the bus.
collocation: hamstring pain / pulled hamstring
The doctor said Amihan had strained a hamstring during the soccer match.
Stretching your hamstrings before a long run helps prevent muscle injuries.
A torn hamstring kept the dancer off the stage for nearly three months.
- tendon
a general term for any connective tissue between muscle and bone; hamstring is a specific set of tendons
文法句型
hamstring — noun, subject or object
用法筆記
In sports and fitness contexts, 'hamstring' most commonly refers to the tendons behind the knee. People frequently talk about 'pulling a hamstring' or a 'hamstring injury'. The plural form 'hamstrings' can refer to all the tendons of both legs.
常見錯誤
2. each of the three muscles running down the rear of the upper leg, which together
each of the three muscles running down the rear of the upper leg, which together bend the knee and extend the hip
Building strong hamstrings helps runners maintain speed over long distances.
collocation: strong hamstrings
The gym trainer showed Luca how to strengthen his hamstrings with deadlifts.
Weak hamstrings can lead to knee problems for older adults who exercise regularly.
Salma's hamstring muscles felt tight after the weightlifting session.
- hamstring muscle
more precise anatomical term for this sense
- thigh muscle
a broader category that includes both hamstrings and quadriceps
- quadriceps
the muscles at the front of the thigh that perform the opposite action — straightening the knee
文法句型
hamstring — noun, subject or object
用法筆記
In fitness contexts, 'hamstrings' (plural) often refers to the group of three muscles collectively. Exercises like leg curls and deadlifts specifically target these muscles.
3. a large fibrous tendon found behind the hock joint in the hind legs of horses an
a large fibrous tendon found behind the hock joint in the hind legs of horses and other four-legged mammals
Veterinarians check a horse's hamstring for swelling after any leg injury.
domain: veterinary context
Tendai learned to locate the hamstring on cattle during veterinary school.
A racehorse with a damaged hamstring may never be able to race again.
The farmer noticed swelling around the donkey's hamstring and called the vet immediately.
文法句型
hamstring — noun, subject or object
用法筆記
This sense is restricted to veterinary and equestrian contexts. In horses, the hamstring tendon runs behind the hock and is important for the animal's movement.