hobbling
|hob-bling|
🇺🇸
/ˈhɑːbəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈhɒbəl/
(hobble)
awkward movement
Etymology
'hobble' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'hobelen', probably of imitative (echoic) origin meaning 'to move awkwardly'.
'hobble' changed from Middle English 'hobelen' and eventually became the modern English word 'hobble'.
Initially it meant 'to limp or move awkwardly', but over time it also developed the figurative meaning 'to impede or restrict'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or state of hobbling; a limp or a circumstance that causes movement or progress to be difficult.
The hobbling from his old injury made long walks impossible.
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Verb 1
walking with difficulty or causing someone to walk with difficulty, typically because of injury, pain, or a physical impediment.
After twisting his ankle he was hobbling down the hallway.
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Verb 2
restricting, impairing, or impeding the effectiveness, development, or progress of something (figurative use).
High compliance costs are hobbling several small firms.
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Adjective 1
causing someone or something to hobble; restrictive or crippling in effect.
They introduced a hobbling regulation that slowed the whole project.
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Last updated: 2025/12/31 17:53