as in paralyzing
to render powerless, ineffective, or unable to move
the downtown development committee claims that it's hamstrung by city ordinances protecting historic buildings
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Recent Examples of hamstringing
The current lack of talent in these industries is hamstringing organization success.
—
Solange Charas, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
The defense had complained restrictions on computer use at MDC-Brooklyn were hamstringing the music mogul's ability to assist his attorneys.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024
Ultimately, that could mean hamstringing tech companies’ efforts to reduce hateful or false content on their platforms.
—Clare Duffy, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
These impending realities presage unimagined new social welfare burdens for a no longer dazzling Chinese economy and may end up hamstringing the funding for Beijing’s international ambitions.
—Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024
Solange Charas, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
The defense had complained restrictions on computer use at MDC-Brooklyn were hamstringing the music mogul's ability to assist his attorneys.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024
Ultimately, that could mean hamstringing tech companies’ efforts to reduce hateful or false content on their platforms.
—Clare Duffy, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
These impending realities presage unimagined new social welfare burdens for a no longer dazzling Chinese economy and may end up hamstringing the funding for Beijing’s international ambitions.
—Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hamstringing
Verb
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But soon, Salinas found herself under a monthslong investigation, trying to fight off paralyzing depression while processing her grief and caring for her other children.—
Shoshana Walter,
USA TODAY,
11 Dec. 2024
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Yoon had tried to justify his decree with accusations that lawmakers were paralyzing his government, sympathizing with North Korea and refusing to pass his budget.—
Max Kim,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This subjectivity can lead to inconsistencies in how the rule is applied, potentially undermining the fairness of the game.—
Giovanni Malloy,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Critics argue that billionaire owners could censor critical commentary, undermining journalism's role in holding power accountable.—
Flynn Nicholls,
Newsweek,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Moffett also said artificial intelligence isn’t driving an upgrade cycle as hoped, noting that there is weakening demand in China along with antitrust concerns.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2025
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With high expectations for future new orders along with expanding current new orders, the outlooks for material handling and supply chain industries are positive, despite some weakening in the December MHI BAI report.—
Jason Schenker,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Included in the bipartisan plan to avert a government shutdown is a provision extending the authority of the Homeland Security and Justice departments to continue tracking and disabling unmanned aircraft that are deemed credible threats, pushing the deadline from December 20 to March 14.—
Benedict Cosgrove,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
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The combination of the pain and the pulsating eye was disabling.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA TODAY,
20 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Hamstringing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hamstringing. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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