Crippling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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crippling
[ˈkrɪplɪŋ ]
Definitions
injuries
Causing someone to become physically disabled.
Synonyms
debilitating, devastating, paralyzing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crippling |
This term is often utilized to describe conditions, situations, or impacts that cause severe damage or limitation, usually to productivity, mobility, or finances. It can sometimes have a negative connotation.
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| devastating |
Often used to describe events or effects that cause extensive destruction or emotional trauma, typically with a strong emotional impact.
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| paralyzing |
Usually refers to situations that halt or severely restrict movement or action, either physically or metaphorically. This term can also carry a negative connotation.
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| debilitating |
This word is commonly used in medical or health-related contexts to describe conditions that weaken or drain energy and strength, making it hard to function normally.
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Examples of usage
- The accident left him with a crippling injury.
- The disease had a crippling effect on her mobility.
economy
Having a serious and damaging effect on something.
Synonyms
damaging, devastating, disastrous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crippling |
Used to describe something that causes severe, often long-term, damage or dysfunction. This word can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
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| damaging |
Refers to something that causes harm or injury, but the impact might not be as severe or long-lasting as 'crippling' or 'devastating'.
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| devastating |
Used to describe something that causes extreme harm, destruction, or upset. Often used in emotional or environmental contexts.
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| disastrous |
Indicates something that leads to a complete failure or catastrophe. Typically used in contexts where the outcome is highly negative and often unexpected.
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Examples of usage
- The recession had a crippling impact on the country's economy.
- The new regulations could be crippling for small businesses.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feelings of shame or inadequacy can be emotionally crippling, affecting self-esteem and mental health.
- Anxiety disorders can lead to crippling panic attacks, making it tough for someone to leave their home.
- Stress and trauma can create crippling effects on individuals, impacting their day-to-day function.
Pop Culture
- Many movies depict characters facing crippling fears that they must confront to transform and succeed.
- Songs often explore themes of crippling heartbreak or loss, making the emotions relatable to listeners.
- In video games, players may encounter crippling challenges that test their skills and strategies.
Health
- Certain diseases, like multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause crippling physical limitations.
- Mental health conditions, such as severe depression, can lead to crippling feelings of hopelessness.
- Injuries from accidents often result in crippling mobility issues that require rehabilitation.
Literature
- Many classic novels feature characters facing crippling societal norms or personal demons that drive the plot.
- Poetry often uses the term 'crippling' to articulate deep emotional struggles and vulnerabilities.
- Themes of crippling injustice can be found throughout historical literature, reflecting societal issues.
Origin of 'crippling'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cripple' comes from Old English 'crypan', which means to bend or break.
- In the 14th century, it began to refer specifically to someone who could not walk due to injury or illness.
- The '-ing' suffix indicates an ongoing action or state, suggesting a continuous impact on someone's abilities.
The word 'crippling' originated from the verb 'cripple', which has been in use since the 14th century. The term originally meant 'to make a cripple of' or 'to deprive of capability or effectiveness'. Over time, the adjective 'crippling' evolved to describe something that causes severe damage or impairment, whether physical or metaphorical.