aleijar

Senses

1. 1.

   to cripple, to maim

   to cause permanent physical injury or disability to someone

2. 2.

   to injure, to hurt

   to cause physical harm or damage to the body

3. 3.

   to ruin, to damage

   to spoil or harm something figuratively

Examples

• "O acidente aleijou o motorista permanentemente."

  The accident permanently crippled the driver.

• "Ele aleijou o pé jogando futebol."

  He injured his foot playing soccer.

• "Não force a porta, você vai aleijar a fechadura!"

  Don't force the door, you'll damage the lock!

Usage

This verb often implies serious or permanent injury. Common reflexive form: "aleijar-se" (to injure oneself). The noun "aleijado/a" (crippled person) is considered offensive by many; prefer "pessoa com deficiência" (person with disability) in formal or respectful contexts.