Gimped

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To exhibit a limitation in physical ability or movement To walk or move with difficulty, often due to a physical condition To be less capable in motion or performance as a result of an impairment or injury
2. To move with a limp indicating injury or pain in a limb ; to weaken or diminish the capability or power of something
3. To walk in a flawed or irregular manner caused by harm or disability ; to cause a reduction in usefulness or functionality

Etymology: "Gimp" is the older noun from which this verb comes. The noun meant a trimming or cord, often of silk or wool, used to edge or decorate upholstery, garments and the like, and the verb grew from it, which is why "gimped" follows the ordinary pattern of a verb formed by adding "-ed" to a base word. The sense about a limp or a crippled person came later and is what people now mean when they say someone walks with a gimp. The jump from decorative trim to physical disability is the interesting part. Figures of speech tied to the sense of a person moving awkwardly are the likely route, though the exact steps are not certain. Once the verb took on the sense of impairing something, it spread into everyday talk about machines, software and plans that have been weakened or made less effective, as in a project that has been gimped by a budget cut.