hobble
UK: ˈhɒb.əl | US: ˈhɑː.bəl
vi. to walk with difficulty, typically due to injury or restraint
vt. to tie the legs of an animal to restrict movement
n. a rope or strap used to hobble an animal
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The word "hobble" likely originates from Middle English hobelen, meaning "to rock or walk unsteadily," possibly influenced by the word "hop." The -ble suffix suggests repetitive or frequent action, reinforcing the idea of an uneven or labored gait. Over time, it expanded to include the act of restraining movement (e.g., hobbling a horse), metaphorically extending the notion of impeded progress.
After spraining his ankle, he had to hobble to the nearest bench.
The farmer hobbled the goat to prevent it from wandering off.
She used a leather strap as a hobble for the restless colt.
The old ship seemed to hobble through the stormy waves.
Without crutches, he could only hobble slowly down the hallway.