cripples

8 definitions • 10 examples

an extremely offensive word for a person whose legs or arms do not work in the usual way

an offensive phrase for someone who finds it difficult to have or express feelings

to injure or harm someone so that they are unable to walk or move in the usual way:

Thousands of people crippled by osteoporosis could benefit from a drug that can actually rebuild their bones.

Her husband had a series of strokes which almost crippled him.

to severely affect or limit someone in a way that is not physical:

He was a hugely talented man, but crippled by self-doubt.

She died at the age of just 17 and the loss crippled her family.

to cause severe damage to something so that it cannot operate effectively:

High interest rates are crippling our business.

a country crippled by war

to prevent software or a device from working normally, usually intentionally in order to make the user pay for more software, for another device, etc.:

The company released software that crippled unlocked phones, preventing them from being used on other carriers' networks.

I think it's short-sighted of developers to cripple access to software.

to make something much less effective; damage:

Economic sanctions have crippled the country’s economy.

to cause someone to be unable to move or walk in the usual way because of an injury or illness:

The accident crippled him.