hobble

verb
hob·​ble | \ ˈhä-bəl How to pronounce hobble (audio) \
hobbled; hobbling\ ˈhä-​b(ə-​)liŋ How to pronounce hobbling (audio) \

Definition of hobble

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to move along unsteadily or with difficulty especially : to limp along

transitive verb

1 : to cause to limp : make lame : cripple

2 [ probably alteration of hopple to hobble ]

a : to fasten together the legs of (an animal, such as a horse) to prevent straying : fetter
b : to place under handicap : hamper, impede

hobble

noun

Definition of hobble (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a hobbling movement
2 archaic : an awkward situation
3 : something used to hobble an animal

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Other Words from hobble

Verb

hobbler \ ˈhä-​b(ə-​)lər How to pronounce hobbler (audio) \ noun

Examples of hobble in a Sentence

Verb

She picked up her cane and hobbled across the room. She is sometimes hobbled by self-doubt. He has been hobbled by a knee injury.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Over those seven-and-a-half years, the S&P gained just 3.1% annually, as cratering home prices hobbled the economy. Shawn Tully, Fortune, "One of Warren Buffet’s Favorite Metrics is Flashing Red—a Sign That Corporate Profits Are Due for a Hit," 17 July 2019 The shrunken budget hobbled staff, slashed Visitor Center hours, and left buildings in disrepair at a place often referred to as the crown jewel of the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System. USA TODAY, "Women in baseball, Lynyrd Skynyrd, circus fire: News from around our 50 states," 1 July 2019 There are subplots to watch for - rivalries within the larger field, uneasy alliances aimed at hobbling front-runners, generational friction, a competition to outdo everyone else at Trump bashing. Todd J. Gillman, Dallas News, "20 for 2020: Dual Democratic debates in Miami could be defining or disastrous for presidential hopefuls," 24 June 2019 However, after storming out of the blocks in his 400 meters semifinal, Redmond pulled up with a torn hamstring on the back straight. Instead of receiving medical attention, Derek tried to finish the race by hobbling and hopping along the track. Ben Morse, CNN, "Father's Day: Unforgettable dad moments in sport," 15 June 2019 Nearly all the elephants wear ankle chains or hobbles—cuffs binding their front legs together. Natasha Daly, National Geographic, "Suffering unseen: The dark truth behind wildlife tourism," 12 June 2019 In fact, his predicament is just one example of a dubious but little-known tradition of Alabama sheriffs hobbling those who defeat them at the polls. Connor Sheets, ProPublica, "Wasted Funds, Destroyed Property: How Sheriffs Undermined Their Successors After Losing Reelection," 12 June 2019 In fact, his predicament is just one example of a dubious but little-known tradition of Alabama sheriffs hobbling those who defeat them at the polls. Connor Sheets | Csheets@al.com, al.com, "After losing reelection, these Alabama sheriffs took it out on their successors - and the public," 12 June 2019 On April 6, 1973, hobbled first baseman Ron Blomberg became the first DH. Dan Schlossberg, USA TODAY, "Baseball Hall of Fame: Edgar Martinez, Harold Baines prove DH's belong in Cooperstown," 17 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The good news is that nothing was fractured, though, so Austin is currently exploring downtown Nanjing at a steady hobble, sans crutches or boot. Alex Prewitt, SI.com, "Out of the Darkness: Isaiah Austin Searches for Peace Without the NBA," 14 June 2019 At last, Isaac had broken into a run on his aching legs, and reached the hotel in an exhausted hobble. Adam O’fallon Price, Harper's magazine, "The Maid’s Story," 10 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hobble.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of hobble

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1726, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for hobble

Verb

Middle English hoblen; akin to Middle Dutch hobbelen to turn, roll

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More Definitions for hobble

hobble

verb

English Language Learners Definition of hobble

: to walk with difficulty because of injury or weakness
: to slow the movement, progress, or action of (someone or something)
: to keep (an animal) from straying or wandering by tying two legs together

hobble

verb
hob·​ble | \ ˈhä-bəl How to pronounce hobble (audio) \
hobbled; hobbling

Kids Definition of hobble

 (Entry 1 of 2)