plural cripples
1
old-fashioned + offensive
: a person who cannot move or walk normally because of a permanent injury (such as a damaged leg or foot) or other physical problem
He returned from war a cripple.
Note: Cripple is an old-fashioned word. People now usually use the less offensive term disabled person.
2
informal
: a person who has emotional problems that prevent normal behavior with other people
She's an emotional cripple. [=she's unable to express her emotions normally]
social cripples
cripples; crippled; crippling
1
: to cause (a person or animal) to be unable to move or walk normally
—usually used as (be) crippled
Thousands of people have been crippled by the disease.
The car accident left him crippled. [=disabled]
2
: to make (something) unable to work normally : to cause great damage to (something)
Higher taxes could cripple small businesses.
an economy crippled by inflation
The disease cripples the body's immune system. [=it makes the body unable to heal itself]
Cite this Entry
“Cripple.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/cripple. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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