hamstring: Meaning and Definition of

ham•string

1. (in humans and other primates) any of the tendons that bound the ham of the knee.
2. (in quadrupeds) the great tendon at the back of the hock.

1. to disable by cutting the hamstring or hamstrings; cripple.
2. to render powerless or useless; thwart: Their efforts were hamstrung by stubborn pride.