cripple
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for cripple, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An outdated and now offensive term for a person with a serious physical disability.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cripple
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English crypel, related to "creep," originally describing someone who had to crawl rather than walk.
Full origin of cripple →Frequently asked questions
What does “cripple” mean?
The word “cripple” means an outdated and now offensive term for a person with a serious physical disability. In plain terms, as a verb, to badly damage or disable something; as a noun, an outdated and offensive word for a disabled person.
How do you pronounce “cripple”?
“Cripple” is pronounced KRIHPL (/ˈkɹɪp(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “cripple” in a sentence?
Here is “cripple” used in a sentence: “Older texts sometimes used the word "cripple," a term now considered offensive.”
What part of speech is “cripple”?
Depending on how it is used, “cripple” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cripple” come from?
The word “cripple” comes from Old English. From Old English crypel, related to "creep," originally describing someone who had to crawl rather than walk.
Is “cripple” a common word?
“Cripple” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “cripple” have?
“Cripple” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an outdated and now offensive term for a person with a serious physical disability.