To hobble something or someone means to make it more difficult for them to be successful or to achieve what they want. The poverty of 10 million citizens not only demeans our society but its cost also hobbles our economy
Short straps tied between the legs of unfenced horses, allowing them to wander short distances but preventing them from running off
If you hobble, you walk in an awkward way with small steps, for example because your foot is injured. He got up slowly and hobbled over to the coffee table The swelling had begun to go down, and he was able, with pain, to hobble