Crippler

A 'crippler' is a noun referring to something or someone that severely impairs or disables. This can apply to physical harm causing loss of function or also to situations, policies, or even abstract ideas that drastically hinder progress, success, or the ability to function effectively. The term often implies a lasting and significant negative impact, causing significant damage or devastation. It can be used metaphorically to describe things that debilitate or hinder in non-physical contexts as well, such as a crippling tax or a policy that is a 'crippler' for a market.

Crippler meaning with examples

• The car accident left him with permanent injuries, making his legs useless, a crippler that confined him to a wheelchair. He struggled for years to adapt to the new conditions that the tragic accident had imposed.
• The economic downturn was a crippler for small businesses, forcing many to close their doors. The devastating effect of the crisis showed the impact on the owners and their staff, it caused major changes to their plans.
• The new healthcare regulations were a crippler for medical research, as they imposed immense costs and restrictions. This made them very difficult to fund, greatly slowing down any research.
• His crippling self-doubt was a crippler to his artistic endeavors, preventing him from sharing his work. He suffered from imposter syndrome, so it prevented him from pursuing his craft to its fullest potential.