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Definition

A person who has been rendered indecisive, alienated, uncaring, confused, or helpless through experiencing debilitating emotions, such as worry, fear, panic, despair, etc.

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In Context

  • "The truth is I was an emotional cripple when I met her, drunk more often than not, punishing myself for doing things that went against my nature."
  • "His mother's affliction was "panic disorder with agoraphobia, which made her an emotional cripple for many years.""
  • "[I]f I ever come across as a maladjusted, socially isolated, sad, hunched emotional cripple (I'm thinking mainly of Sunday mornings in February, here), then it's those four weeks of having to wear short trousers in September 1964 that are to blame."
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Also Said As

  • basket case
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See Also

  • damaged goods