Kneecap

/ˈniː.kæp/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The large, flat bone that forms the front of the knee joint.

He fractured his kneecap during the basketball game.

A protective covering or strong padding placed over the knee.

She wore a kneecap to prevent injury while playing soccer.

verb

To shoot someone in the kneecap, typically used in a violent context.

The gang member was ordered to kneecap anyone who opposed them.

The term combines 'knee', referring to the joint, and 'cap', referring to something that covers.

kneecap someone

To injure or disable someone by shooting them in the knee.

knee-deep in

Involved deeply in a situation.

patella

The medical term for the kneecap.

joint

The structure where two bones meet, allowing movement.

To be in a difficult or uncomfortable situation.

I'm really kneecapped with all this work.

To incapacitate or hinder someone.

They really kneecapped the competition with that new product.