Meaning & Definition of word "Crippling"

Crippling

/ˈkrɪp.əl.ɪŋ/

verb:

  • 1. To cause someone or something to become unable to function normally.
    • Example: The scandal could cripple the politician's career.
  • 2. To cause a significant reduction in the effectiveness or efficiency of.
    • Example: The strike crippled public transport in the city.

adjective:

  • 1. Causing severe damage or impairment to the extent that functioning is significantly hindered.
    • Example: The crippling economic crisis left many businesses struggling to survive.
  • 2. Severely damaging or debilitating in a way that affects normal functioning.
    • Example: The disease had a crippling effect on her ability to walk.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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

Related Words

cripple:

to cause someone to lose the ability to walk or move

debilitate:

to make someone weak or ill

disable:

to make unable or incapable

Slang Meanings of crippling

Meaning: totally incapacitating situation

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

Meaning: overwhelming stress or pressure

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