hamstrung
C1Formal to neutral; used in written and spoken discourse, common in journalism and analysis.
Definition
Meaning
To cripple or severely restrict effectiveness; to disable by cutting the hamstring tendon.
To render powerless, ineffective, or unable to act; to severely hinder progress or function.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Originally literal (disabling an animal/person by cutting the hamstring). Now overwhelmingly used figuratively. Implies a severe, often deliberate, restriction of capacity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally used in both varieties.
Connotations
Strong connotation of being rendered helpless or ineffectual, often by external constraints or bureaucracy.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, with slightly higher occurrence in written news/analysis.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] is/was hamstrung by [constraint/agent][Constraint/Agent] hamstrung [Subject]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be hamstrung by red tape”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The merger was hamstrung by antitrust investigations.
Academic
The research was hamstrung by insufficient funding.
Everyday
I feel completely hamstrung by all these new rules.
Technical
The surgeon avoided the hamstring muscle to ensure the athlete was not hamstrung.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new budget cuts have completely hamstrung our department.
- They were hamstrung by a lack of public support.
American English
- The lawsuit hamstrung the company's expansion plans.
- Congress hamstrung the president's initiative.
adverb
British English
- The team played hamstrung by injuries. (Rare, often rephrased)
American English
- They operated hamstrung, with one hand tied behind their back. (Rare, idiomatic)
adjective
British English
- The hamstrung committee could not reach a decision.
- He felt hamstrung by the outdated regulations.
American English
- The hamstrung agency failed to respond to the crisis.
- A hamstrung quarterback is no use to the team.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bad weather hamstrung our travel plans.
- The team was hamstrung by injuries.
- The investigation was hamstrung by a lack of credible witnesses.
- Strict laws hamstrung the development of the industry.
- The chancellor's reforms were hamstrung by factional opposition within her own party.
- Financially hamstrung, the startup could not compete with its well-funded rivals.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a racehorse with a cut hamstring tendon – it can't run. Similarly, a 'hamstrung' project or person can't function properly.
Conceptual Metaphor
FREEDOM IS MOTION / CONSTRAINT IS A PHYSICAL DISABLEMENT. Being restricted is conceptualised as having one's legs tied or tendons cut.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'зажатый' (shy/timid).
- Avoid literal translations involving 'ветчина' (ham).
- Closer to 'сковывать', 'парализовать', 'ставить палки в колёса'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a present tense verb (e.g., 'It hamstrings us' is correct; 'It hamstrungs us' is not).
- Confusing with 'handcuffed' (more temporary/specific).
- Misspelling as 'hamstrunged'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'hamstrung' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its original meaning is literal (to cripple by cutting the hamstring tendon), but the figurative meaning is far more common in modern usage.
'Hamstrung' is stronger. 'Hampered' means slowed down or hindered, while 'hamstrung' implies being rendered largely powerless or ineffective.
Yes, but less frequently. E.g., 'The scandal hamstrung his campaign.' More often it appears in passive constructions: 'He was hamstrung by the scandal.'
It is primarily the past tense and past participle of the verb 'to hamstring'. It also functions very commonly as an adjective (e.g., 'a hamstrung organization').