cripple
Translation
to cripple, to disable, to paralyse
Examples
The accident crippled him for life.
The accident crippled him for life.
The strike crippled the country's economy.
The strike crippled the country's economy.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to severely damage or weaken (sb./sth.) The sanctions crippled the nation's industry.
Similar Words
Synonyms: disable, incapacitate, paralyse, hamstring
Etymology
From Old English 'crypel', related to 'creopan' (to creep). Originally referred to someone who could only move by creeping.
Memory Tips
This word can be considered offensive when referring to people. It is safer to use it figuratively for systems or economies.