cripple
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1crip·ple
noun \ˈkri-pəl\Definition of CRIPPLE
1
a sometimes offensive : a lame or partly disabled person or animal b : one that is disabled or deficient in a specified manner <a social cripple>
2
: something flawed or imperfect
See Examples of CRIPPLE
- He returned from war a cripple.
Origin of CRIPPLE
Middle English cripel, from Old English crypel; akin to Old English crēopan to creep — more at creep
First Known Use: before 12th century
2cripple
adjectiveDefinition of CRIPPLE
: being lame, flawed, or imperfect
First Known Use of CRIPPLE
13th century
Other Medicine Terms
3cripple
transitive verbcrip·pledcrip·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\
Definition of CRIPPLE
1
: to deprive of the use of a limb and especially a leg <the accident left him crippled>
2
: to deprive of capability for service or of strength, efficiency, or wholeness <an economy crippled by inflation>
— crip·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ noun
— crip·pling·ly \-p(ə-)liŋ-lē\ adverb
Examples of CRIPPLE
- Higher taxes could cripple small businesses.
- an economy crippled by inflation
First Known Use of CRIPPLE
14th century
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Next Word in the Dictionary: crippledom
Previous Word in the Dictionary: cripes
All Words Near: cripple
Previous Word in the Dictionary: cripes
All Words Near: cripple
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