Severely damaged or impaired in function; unable to move or act normally. Now considered offensive when referring to people with disabilities.
From Old English 'crypel' meaning 'one who creeps', from 'creopan' (to creep). Originally described those who had to crawl or move slowly due to physical limitations.
This word has undergone significant semantic change from medical descriptor to offensive term to metaphorical usage. The disability rights movement has largely replaced it with 'person-first' language, recognizing that language shapes how society views and treats people.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.