cripple

³cripple

verb

crip·pledcrip·pling\-p(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of CRIPPLE

transitive verb

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

1. Higher taxes could cripple small businesses.
2. an economy crippled by inflation

First Known Use of CRIPPLE

14th century

Related to CRIPPLE

Synonyms: maim, disable, incapacitate, lame, mutilate

Antonyms: doctor, fix, mend, patch, rebuild, recondition, reconstruct, renovate, repair, revamp

Related Words: dismember, hamstring, hobble, paralyze; batter, bruise, bung up, mangle, maul, rough (up); gore, lacerate, wing, wound; disfigure, scar; kneecap; break, damage, harm, hurt, impair, injure; bash, beat, belt, bludgeon, buffet, drub, hammer, lace, lambaste (or lambast), lick, paste, pelt, pommel, pound, pummel, thump; bang, box, hit, punch, slap, smack, smash, sock, spank, swat, swipe, thrash, thwack, whack; flog, lash, wallop, whip; kill, murder; torment, torture

Near Antonyms: cure, heal, rehabilitate, remedy; doctor, fix, mend, patch; rejuvenate, renew, repair, restore

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

See Synonym Discussion at maim, weaken