Cripple (Verb)
Meaning 1
Deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless; "This measure crippled our efforts"; "Their behavior stultified the boss's hard work".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- The economic crisis crippled the company's growth plans and forced them to downsize.
- High inflation rates can cripple the purchasing power of consumers and exacerbate poverty.
- This unpopular law will cripple the tourism industry and financially affect many local families.
- Bureaucratic red tape can cripple a business by making it impossible to launch products quickly.
- The lack of infrastructure will cripple the new city's development and hinder its potential for growth.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Deprive of the use of a limb, especially a leg; "The accident has crippled her for life".
Classification
Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care.
Examples
- A serious injury from a skiing accident crippled David for several months.
- The birth defect may cripple the child's left leg permanently.
- The paralysis from the waist down crippled the athlete's hopes of ever competing again.
- Diabetes can cripple a diabetic's foot or leg if left untreated.
- Years of poor exercise and diet had crippled his legs by the time he turned 70.