verb / noun
hobble
HAH-bul/ˈhɑːbl/
To restrict free movement so progress becomes awkward.
He hobbles forward on a bandaged ankle, leaning on a cane.
Etymology
Middle English hoblen meant “to rock back and forth.” Its shift to “walk lamely” connects that uneven motion with the awkward gait of someone in pain or injured.
In context
not having to hobble along with the old brace on her leg
More examples
- A shortage of drivers hobbles the city's bus service.
- They hobble the horse to keep it from wandering.
- The rancher removes the horse's hobbles before leading it outside.
- Her sore knee reduces her usual brisk walk to a hobble.
Forms
hobble · hobbles · hobbled · hobbling