Cripple: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is outdated and considered offensive.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.

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.

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.

This term is somewhat outdated but can still be found in certain formal contexts, such as government documents or legal texts.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.

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 It is considered outdated and offensive when referring to people.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
• '

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
• '

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
• '

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
• '