B2verbbusinesssociety
US/ˈkrɪp.əl/
UK/ˈkrɪp.əl/
to damage something so badly that it cannot work properly
In context
The strike crippled the transport system for nearly a week.
Heavy debt has crippled the company and it may have to close.
A cyberattack crippled the hospital's computers on Monday morning.
Words that go with cripple
verb + noun
- cripple the economyYears of war crippled the economy.
- cripple the industryThe new tax could cripple the tourism industry.
- cripple a systemA single error can cripple the entire system.
- cripple growthHigh interest rates cripple growth in many countries.
adverb + verb
- seriously crippleRising costs may seriously cripple small farms.
verb + preposition
- be crippled by debtThe city is crippled by debt after the flood.