Cripple Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฆฝ
cripple
[หkrษชpษl ]
Definitions
medical
A person who is unable to walk or move properly due to a disability or injury.
Synonyms
disabled person, handicapped individual, invalid.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cripple |
This term is outdated and considered offensive. It is rarely used in modern, respectful conversations about people with disabilities.
|
| disabled person |
This term is generally accepted and neutral when referring to someone with a physical or mental disability. It is commonly used in various formal and informal contexts.
|
| invalid |
This term is old-fashioned and usually carries a negative connotation. It suggests that the person is not valid or less important, which makes it generally offensive.
|
| handicapped individual |
This term is somewhat outdated but can still be found in certain formal contexts, such as government documents or legal texts. It can be considered impolite or insensitive by some people.
|
Examples of usage
- He has been a cripple since birth.
- She became a cripple after the accident.
informal
To cause someone to become unable to walk or move properly, often temporarily.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cripple |
Typically used to describe someone who has a severe and often permanent physical disability or injury. It is considered outdated and offensive when referring to people.
|
| disable |
Used in a more general sense to indicate making someone unable to perform a certain function; typically used in a medical or technological context.
|
| impair |
Generally used to describe the weakening or damaging of a function or ability. Commonly used in medical or technical contexts.
|
| hamstring |
Often used metaphorically to indicate hindering or limiting someoneโs ability to succeed. Rarely used in a literal anatomical sense.
|
Examples of usage
- The injury has crippled him for life.
- The disease has crippled her ability to work.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Sensitivity
- In contemporary society, the term is often considered offensive and is replaced by 'person with a disability'.
- Activism has led to a push for more respectful language around disabilities, emphasizing person-first language.
- Cultural perceptions vary globally, where some societies view disability as a stigma while others embrace it.
Historical Context
- In medieval times, individuals with physical disabilities were often marginalized and excluded from society.
- During the Industrial Revolution, improving the conditions for those with disabilities began to gain more attention.
- World War I led to the establishment of better facilities and resources for wounded veterans.
Psychology
- Studies show that individuals with disabilities can experience challenges with self-esteem and social integration.
- Positive representations in media can significantly impact the self-image of those with disabilities.
- Coping strategies and support groups can empower individuals to face societal challenges effectively.
Literature and Media
- Many stories portray characters with disabilities as heroes, challenging stereotypes and promoting empathy.
- Classic literature often depicted disabled characters as tragic figures, reflecting societal attitudes of their times.
- Films like 'The Theory of Everything' showcase the lives and achievements of people with disabilities, promoting understanding.
Origin of 'cripple'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English term 'crypel', which referred to someone who limps.
- It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'krฤซpalaz', meaning 'to creep' or 'to crawl'.
- Originally, it referred broadly to any kind of physical impairment over time.
The word 'cripple' has a long history dating back to Old English, where it originally meant a person who was disabled or unable to walk properly. Over time, the term has evolved and can now be considered offensive or outdated in many contexts. It is important to use language that is respectful and inclusive when referring to individuals with disabilities.