cripple has definitions from the field of medicine
1
[ verb ] deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless

Synonyms

stultify

Examples

"This measure crippled our efforts" "Their behavior stultified the boss's hard work"

Used in print

(National Review...)

We would be crippled by reduced output , industrial decline , widespread unemployment '' .

Related terms

weaken

2
[ noun ] (medicine) someone whose legs are disabled

Used in print

(Tristram Coffin, Not to the Swift....)

The only one who would have him was his cripple , the strange unhappy woman who became his wife .

Related terms

unfortunate humpback

3
[ verb ] deprive of the use of a limb, esp. a leg

Synonyms

lame

Examples

"The accident has crippled her for life"

Related terms

maim hamstring

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