Cripple: meaning, definitions and examples

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cripple

[ˈkrɪpəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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cripple	This term is outdated and considered offensive.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. Using 'cripple' can hurt and offend people. It's better to choose a more respectful term.
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. The new building is accessible to every disabled person in our community. He is a disabled person, but he is very active in sports.
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. Referring to someone as an 'invalid' can be very disrespectful and diminishing. The society should not treat disabled people as invalids.
handicapped individual	This term is somewhat outdated but can still be found in certain formal contexts, such as government documents or legal texts.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. There are special parking spaces reserved for handicapped individuals. The organization provides support for handicapped individuals in need.

Examples of usage

He has been a cripple since birth.
She became a cripple after the accident.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

informal

To cause someone to become unable to walk or move properly, often temporarily.

Synonyms

disable, hamstring, impair.

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 It is considered outdated and offensive when referring to people. 'The accident left him crippled '
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. 'The virus disabled the computer network ' 'The injury disabled him from walking '
impair	Generally used to describe the weakening or damaging of a function or ability. Commonly used in medical or technical contexts. 'His vision was impaired by the accident ' 'The economic crisis impaired company growth '
hamstring	Often used metaphorically to indicate hindering or limiting someone’s ability to succeed. Rarely used in a literal anatomical sense. 'The new regulations could hamstring small businesses '

Examples of usage

The injury has crippled him for life.
The disease has crippled her ability to work.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English term 'crypel', which referred to someone who limps.
It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'krīpalaz', meaning 'to creep' or 'to crawl'.
Originally, it referred broadly to any kind of physical impairment over time.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "cripple" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aleijado

🇮🇳 लंगड़ा

🇩🇪 Krüppel

🇮🇩 lumpuh

🇺🇦 каліка

🇵🇱 kaleka

🇯🇵 足の不自由な人 (あしのふじゆうなひと)

🇫🇷 infirme

🇪🇸 lisiado

🇹🇷 sakat

🇰🇷 절름발이

🇸🇦 مشلول

🇨🇿 mrzák

🇸🇰 mrzák

🇨🇳 瘸子 (quēzi)

🇸🇮 invalid

🇮🇸 lami

🇰🇿 мүгедек

🇬🇪 ინვალიდი

🇦🇿 şikəst

🇲🇽 lisiado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,974, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16971 genuineness
16972 bombed
16973 rarer
16974 cripple
16975 gallows
16976 sobbed
16977 clams
...