<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>(in humans and other primates) Any of the tendons that bound the ham of the knee.</li><li>(in quadrupeds) The great tendon at the back of the hock.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object)<ul><li>Hamstrung, hamstringing.</li><li>To disable by cutting the hamstring or hamstrings.</li><li>Synonyms: Lame, hock, disable, cripple.</li><li>To render powerless or useless; thwart: "Their efforts were hamstrung by stubborn pride."</li></ul></li></ul>