cripple

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb cripple contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cripple are batter, maim, mangle, and mutilate. While all these words mean "to injure so severely as to cause lasting damage," cripple implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg.

crippled for life in an accident

Where would batter be a reasonable alternative to cripple?

While in some cases nearly identical to cripple, batter implies a series of blows that bruise deeply, deform, or mutilate.

an old ship battered by fierce storms

In what contexts can maim take the place of cripple?

The words maim and cripple can be used in similar contexts, but maim implies the loss or injury of a bodily member through violence.

maimed by a shark

When is mangle a more appropriate choice than cripple?

Although the words mangle and cripple have much in common, mangle implies a tearing or crushing that leaves deep wounds.

a soldier's leg mangled by shrapnel

When can mutilate be used instead of cripple?

While the synonyms mutilate and cripple are close in meaning, mutilate implies the cutting off or removal of an essential part of a person or thing thereby impairing its completeness, beauty, or function.

a tree mutilated by inept pruning

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cripple Brody is looking at the clock and urging action to cripple the enemy’s ability to do anything else. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025 The massive loss of life crippled the Byzantine Empire, weakening its administrative capabilities. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025 Highfill Mayor Chris Holland said that would put the city in an untenable position and would cripple the city financially. Arkansas Online, 19 Aug. 2025 Thomas’ absence has been crippling for the Giants in recent years. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cripple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cripple
Verb
  • By setting up permissions in advance, the agent (individual with the power to act on behalf of someone else) can step in immediately if the account owner is incapacitated.
    Kristin McKenna, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • In addition to grandmaster status, Myers is also a fourth degree in hosinsool, a self-defense technique used to protect, disarm and incapacitate an attacker, focusing on practicality to end a dangerous situation quickly with powerful strikes, locks and take-downs.
    Nicole Stracek, Twin Cities, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The severity, healing and availability of Purdy’s toe will depend heavily on which toe is injured and what specific part of the toe got injured.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Almost certainly out this week also is injured receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder), who provided most of the scant glimmers of hope in the Super Bowl with eight catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Doctors spent several minutes resuscitating Luka before making the difficult decision to use a paralyzing agent to stop him from moving and potentially hurting himself.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Without these supports, free-will can feel utterly paralyzing.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Thankfully, it can easily be disabled via a physical button or touchscreen button.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Washing a couch or sofa, professional carpet and upholstery cleaner Ben Brazell says, is more precarious than carpet cleaning because the upholstery is often a lot more expensive and much easier to damage.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Private homes, farm buildings and power lines were damaged, Gusev said.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Now, its Supreme Court is moving to hold a former president accountable for allegedly trying to undermine democracy and steer the country back toward authoritarian rule.
    Júlia Dias Carneiro, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Failing to meet that obligation undermines not only educational opportunity, but also the sovereignty, economic vitality, and cultural survival of Tribal nations.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • A student who authorities say opened fire at his Colorado high school, wounding two classmates and then turning the gun on himself, has died, according to the local sheriff's office.
    Alex Stone, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Police say Reed then opened fire in the parking lot, killing Jones, wounding a 23-year-old Dallas man and also shooting at off-duty officers who were working at the business.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Boy Meets World — Savage’s comedy legacy has been marred by multiple misconduct allegations over the years.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Holes marred the walls in the kitchen under the dish machine, dry storage and dish storage rooms.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cripple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cripple. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cripple

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