cripple
Translation
to cripple, to disable, to paralyze
Examples
The sanctions crippled the country's economy.
The sanctions crippled the country's economy.
A lack of funding crippled the project.
A lack of funding crippled the project.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to cause severe and disabling damage to (sth./sb.) The sanctions crippled the country's economy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: disable, paralyze, hamstring, weaken; Antonyms: strengthen, enable, empower
Etymology
From Old English *crypel*, related to *crēopan* 'to creep'. The idea is of someone who can only creep or crawl.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'ripple' effect that 'cripples' a system, spreading damage.