WordLens

cripple

1 of 2verb
/ˈkrɪ.pəl/
Forms:cripples,crippling,crippled,crippled
1

to inflict severe damage to someone's body so that they are unable to walk or move properly

transitive
  • The car accident unfortunately crippled her, leaving her with a permanent disability.
  • Diseases like polio used to cripple individuals, affecting their mobility.
  • The soldier faced the risk of being crippled by the explosion during combat.
  • An untreated injury could escalate and cripple the person's range of motion.
  • The construction worker took precautions to avoid accidents that could cripple him.
Synonyms:
2

to cause serious damage that prevents someone or something from working or functioning properly

transitive
  • The financial crisis crippled the economy, leaving many businesses struggling.
  • The lack of funding could cripple the development of the new technology.
  • The storm crippled the city's infrastructure, causing widespread power outages.
  • The constant delays crippled the project's progress, pushing back its completion.
  • The heavy regulations have the potential to cripple small businesses.
Synonyms: