noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

cripple

KRIHPL

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Cripple (noun) means an outdated and now offensive term for a person with a serious physical disability. Example: “Older texts sometimes used the word "cripple," a term now considered offensive.”

noun

An outdated and now offensive term for a person with a serious physical disability.

"Older texts sometimes used the word "cripple," a term now considered offensive."

verb

To severely damage or disable something, physically or otherwise.

"The strike crippled the country's transport network for a week."

"A knee injury nearly crippled his football career."

How to use cripple

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAs a verb, to badly damage or disable something; as a noun, an outdated and offensive word for a disabled person.

Common mistake

The noun use for a person is now considered offensive and avoided in modern writing — "person with a disability" is the standard respectful alternative. The verb form ("to cripple an economy") is still common and not offensive.

Common pairings

cripple the economy crippled by debt

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: cripples
Third person singular: cripples
Past tense: crippled

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Older texts sometimes used the word "_____," a term now considered offensive.

Etymology

From Old English crypel, related to "creep," originally describing someone who had to crawl rather than walk.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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lame stultify

Antonyms

strengthen

Related words

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Rhymes for cripple

nipple ripple Whipple

See all rhymes for 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.

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