Meaning & use
Cripples
Last updated
Severely damages, disables, or weakens something so that it can no longer function properly.
See it in a sentence
A prolonged drought cripples the region's farming economy every few years.
The injury cripples his chances of playing in the championship game.
A note on using this word
As a noun referring to a person with a physical disability, "cripple" is now widely considered outdated and offensive; "disabled person" is the preferred modern term. The verb sense describing damage to things or systems remains standard.
Words with a similar meaning
disablesincapacitateshobbles
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
strengthensempowers
Make it your own
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