Definition

Causing severe damage or impairment, often making something unable to function properly.

Example

The crippling effects of the disease left him unable to walk.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

I heard you’ve been feeling some crippling anxiety lately.

Yeah, it’s been tough to manage.

Have you thought about talking to someone about those crippling feelings?

I think I might, it could really help to get some support.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To cause someone or something to become unable to move or function properly, often due to injury or damage.

Example

The accident left him crippling in pain for weeks.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard that the injury he had is really crippling his performance.

Yeah, it’s tough to see him struggle like that.

I hope he can recover quickly; it must be so frustrating.

Root Explanation

Crippling is derived from the root "cripple" (from Old English "cryppel", meaning to disable or make lame) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). The word "crippling" refers to the action of causing someone or something to become disabled or severely impaired.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for making someone unable to move ('cripple') — the '-ing' shows that it's the action of causing that disability.

Visually Confused Words