hobble
hobble Lexical Profile
hobble Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To walk in an awkward, unsteady, or limping way, especially due to pain or physical impairment.
"After spraining her ankle on the trail, she had to hobble the remaining mile back to the cabin."
To restrict the activity, progress, or development of something; to impede.
"Severe budget cuts threatened to hobble the research institute's ongoing climate studies."
To tie or strap the legs of a horse or other animal together to prevent it from wandering away.
"The guides hobbled the pack mules so they could graze safely near the river."
• noun
An awkward, unsteady, or limping gait caused by pain, injury, or weakness.
"Years of distance running had left him with a noticeable hobble in his left leg."
A rope, strap, or device used to tie the legs of a horse or other animal together to prevent it from straying.
"The rancher fastened leather hobbles around the horse's front ankles before setting up camp for the night."
• Rhymes for hobble
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English hobelen ('to walk unsteadily'), probably a frequentative borrowing from Middle Dutch hobbelen ('to rock from side to side, stammer').