Crippling

/ˈkrɪp.əl.ɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To cause someone or something to become unable to function normally.

The scandal could cripple the politician's career.

To cause a significant reduction in the effectiveness or efficiency of.

The strike crippled public transport in the city.

adjective

Causing severe damage or impairment to the extent that functioning is significantly hindered.

The crippling economic crisis left many businesses struggling to survive.

Severely damaging or debilitating in a way that affects normal functioning.

The disease had a crippling effect on her ability to walk.

Derived from the verb 'cripple' with the suffix '-ing' implying the action of causing crippling effects.

crippling depression:

a severe form of depression that significantly impairs the ability to function

crippling debt:

debt that is so high it limits one's ability to manage finances

crippling anxiety:

an anxiety level that interferes with daily life activities

totally incapacitating situation

That hangover was crippling; I could barely get out of bed.

overwhelming stress or pressure

The workload was so crippling that I couldn't think straight.