Hamstringing is a word used to refer to something that is limiting, restricting, or holding one back. There are several synonyms for this word that can be used interchangeably, such as hindering, thwarting, impeding, obstructing, sabotaging, and crippling. These words all relate to different ways in which someone or something can be held back or prevented from succeeding. Hindering implies slowing something down, while thwarting suggests actively preventing it from happening altogether. Impeding suggests that progress is being slowed down, while obstructing suggests that the way forward is being blocked. Sabotaging implies something is deliberately being damaged or destroyed, while crippling suggests that something has lost its ability to function effectively.