cripple

The definition of a cripple is a derogatory term for a person or animal that is unable to use the limbs in the usual way.

(noun)

An example of a cripple is a deer who can't walk.

Cripple is defined as to disable or make unable to function properly.

(verb)

An example of cripple is to lose the use of your legs in a car accident. An example of cripple is when a group of airline pilots refuse to fly which, in turn, keeps an airline from flying on time.

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See cripple in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. a person or animal that is lame or otherwise disabled in a way that prevents normal motion of the limbs or body: somewhat offensive when used to refer to a person
  2. Dialectal thicketed, swampy or low, wet land

Origin: ME cripel < OE crypel (akin to Ger krüppel) < base of creopan: see creep

transitive verb crippled, crippling

  1. to make cripple of; lame
  2. to make unable or unfit to act, function effectively, etc.; disable

Related Forms:

See cripple in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A person or animal that is partially disabled or unable to use a limb or limbs: cannot race a horse that is a cripple.
  2. A damaged or defective object or device.
transitive verb crip·pled, crip·pling, crip·ples
  1. To cause to lose the use of a limb or limbs.
  2. To disable, damage, or impair the functioning of: a strike that crippled the factory.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English crepel

Origin: , from Old English crypel

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Related Forms:

  • cripˈpler noun

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