CEFR B2

cripple

verb

Meaning

To cause severe and lasting damage to someone's body, making movement or normal activity very difficult.

Examples

The disease can cripple a person's legs, forcing them to use a wheelchair.
A severe injury could cripple a professional athlete's career.

Synonyms: disable, impair, incapacitate, maim

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cripple (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈkrɪp.əl/

Definition

To cause severe and lasting damage to someone's body, making movement or normal activity very difficult.

Examples

The disease can cripple a person's legs, forcing them to use a wheelchair.
A severe injury could cripple a professional athlete's career.
The economic sanctions were designed to cripple the country's trade.

How to Use cripple

cripple someone/something (verb): To cause severe damage or weakness to a person or thing. — "The storm crippled the town's infrastructure."
cripple with (prepositional phrase): To be severely affected or weakened by something (often abstract, like debt or fear). — "She was crippled with anxiety before her exam."

Synonyms of cripple

Words with a similar meaning to cripple:

Antonyms of cripple

Words with the opposite meaning to cripple:

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