hobble Definition
- 1to walk in an awkward way, usually because the feet or legs are injured
- 2to restrict or impede the movement or progress of something or someone
Using hobble: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hobble" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He hobbled around on crutches for weeks after breaking his leg.
Example
The company's growth was hobbled by a lack of investment.
Example
The team's chances of winning were hobbled by injuries to key players.
hobble Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with hobble
Example
In the early 20th century, hobble skirts were a popular fashion trend among women.
an awkward or clumsy young person, especially a teenage boy
Example
He was a tall, lanky hobbledehoy who always seemed to be tripping over his own feet.
hobble-bobble
a game in which players try to knock each other off balance by pushing or pulling on a rope
Example
The children played hobble-bobble in the park, laughing and shouting as they tried to stay on their feet.
Origins of hobble
from Middle English 'hoblen', meaning 'to rock back and forth'
Summary: hobble in Brief
The verb 'hobble' [ˈhɑːbəl] refers to walking awkwardly due to injury or restricting or impeding the movement or progress of something or someone. It can be used literally, as in 'He hobbled around on crutches for weeks after breaking his leg,' or figuratively, as in 'The company's growth was hobbled by a lack of investment.' 'Hobble' also appears in phrases like 'hobble skirt,' a narrow skirt that makes walking difficult, and 'hobbledehoy,' an awkward or clumsy young person.
