1. to walk awkwardly or with difficulty, especially because of injury or pain
2. to tie the legs of an animal together to prevent it from moving freely
3. to prevent someone or something from operating effectively

1. an awkward way of walking
2. something used to tie an animal’s legs together

Examples

• The injured player hobbled off the field.
• She hobbled to the door on her sprained ankle.
• The farmer hobbled his horse to keep it from wandering.
• Budget cuts will hobble the research program.
• He walked with a noticeable hobble after the accident.
• The cowboy used a rope hobble on his mare.
• The old man’s hobble grew worse in cold weather.