Spell Bee Word: cripple

Basic Details

Word: Cripple

Part of Speech: Verb (also can be used as a noun)

Meaning: To cause someone or something to be unable to walk or move properly. It can also mean to cause severe damage or to make ineffective.

Synonyms: Disable, impede, harm

Antonyms: Enable, support, assist

Idioms and Phrases

1. Cry over spilled milk: To be upset about something that cannot be changed. Example: "There's no point in crying over spilled milk; we need to focus on fixing the problem."
2. Bring to one's knees: To make someone unable to continue or succeed. Example: "The sudden storm brought the entire city to its knees, causing widespread damage."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The accident crippled his ability to walk, but he worked hard to regain his strength.

Example 2: The lack of funding might cripple the project, preventing it from being completed on time.

Example 3: She felt crippled by her fear of speaking in public, but she decided to join a speaking club to overcome it.

Fun Fact

Interestingly, the word "cripple" comes from the Old English word 'cyrpan', which means to "creep" or "crawl", referring to the difficulties an individual faces when mobility is hindered.

Famous Quote

"The greatest disability is not a physical one; it is a lack of self-belief." Unknown

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "cripple" mean?

a) To fly
b) To cause difficulty in movement
c) To write
d) To sing

Answer: b) To cause difficulty in movement

2. Which of these is a synonym of "cripple"?

a) Enable
b) Disable
c) Encourage
d) Help

Answer: b) Disable

3. Which sentence uses "cripple" correctly?

a) The magician can cripple into thin air.
b) The strong winds cripple the trees from standing.
c) The heavy rain crippled the city’s transport system.
d) She can easily cripple a tune on the piano.

Answer: c) The heavy rain crippled the city’s transport system.

4. Which idiom means to make someone unable to continue?

a) Cry over spilled milk
b) Bring to one's knees
c) Barking up the wrong tree
d) A piece of cake

Answer: b) Bring to one's knees

5. What is the opposite of "cripple"?

a) Disable
b) Assist
c) Harm
d) Hinder

Answer: b) Assist