General synonyms:
* Cripple: This is the most common and direct synonym, meaning to severely injure someone, often resulting in permanent disability.
* Disable: This emphasizes the loss of function or ability caused by the injury.
* Mutilate: This suggests a more gruesome and disfiguring injury.
* Wound: This is a broader term, but can be used to refer to a serious injury.
* Injure: A general term for any kind of harm to the body.
More specific synonyms:
* Amputate: Specifically refers to the removal of a limb.
* Paralyze: Refers to the loss of movement or feeling in a part of the body.
* Deform: Suggests an alteration in the shape or structure of the body.
* Fracture: Refers to a break in a bone.
Figurative synonyms:
* Destroy: Can be used to describe the destruction of someone's career, reputation, or future.
* Ruin: Similar to "destroy," but emphasizing the complete loss of something valuable.
The best synonym to use will depend on the specific context of the sentence.