Sure! Let's break down the word "crippling."
Definition:
Crippling is an adjective that describes something that causes severe damage or weakness. It often refers to injuries or conditions that greatly limit someone's ability to function normally. For example, a crippling injury can prevent a person from walking or doing daily activities.
Usage Instructions:
Use "crippling" to describe something that makes it very difficult for someone to do what they usually do.
It often has a serious or negative connotation, meaning it’s used for significant problems.
Examples:
Simple Example: "He suffered a crippling injury during the game, which kept him from playing for the rest of the season."
Advanced Example: "The country faced a crippling economic crisis that led to high unemployment rates and widespread poverty."
Word Variants:
Cripple (verb): To cause someone to be unable to walk or to be severely disabled.
Crippled (adjective): A past form that describes someone who has been made unable to walk or function normally.
Crippling (noun): Although less common, it can sometimes be used to describe the state of being crippled.
Different Meanings:
Physical Limitation: Referring directly to a physical injury or disability.
Figurative Use: It can also describe situations that cause major problems, like a "crippling debt" or "crippling anxiety," meaning they are so severe they limit one’s ability to function.
Synonyms:
Debilitating
Disabling
Paralyzing
Incapacitating
Devastating
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While "crippling" doesn't have specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with it, you can use related expressions to convey similar ideas, such as: - "Bring to a halt": To stop something from continuing. - "Put someone out of commission": To make someone unable to work or function.
Summary:
In summary, "crippling" is a word that describes something very damaging or limiting, often used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. Whether you're talking about a serious injury or a difficult situation, "crippling" effectively communicates the severity of the issue.