lahmlegen
cripple · bring to a standstill · paralyze
Definition & meaning
The verb lahmlegen primarily means to bring something to a standstill, to paralyze, or to disable. It is used in various contexts:
- Operations or systems: To cause a process, machine, or infrastructure to stop working. For example, a strike can "lahmlegen" public transport, or a computer virus can "lahmlegen" a network.
- Abstract concepts: To inhibit or freeze progress or activities, such as a political crisis "lahmlegen" the government.
Grammar & Word origin
lahmlegen is a separable verb. In a sentence, the prefix "lahm-" is separated from the base verb "legen" if the verb is conjugated in a main clause (e.g., "Der Streik legt den Verkehr lahm").
- Grammar: Separable verb (trennbares Verb). Past tense: legte lahm; Participle II: lahmgelegt.
- Word origin: The word is a compound of the adjective lahm (lame, paralyzed, ineffective) and the verb legen (to lay/place). Literally, it translates to "to lay something into a lame state."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
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Examples
Der Streik wird die Produktion lahmlegen.verb
The strike will cripple the production.
Ein schwerer Sturm legte den gesamten Zugverkehr lahm.verb
A severe storm brought all train traffic to a standstill.
Die unerwartete Panne legte den wichtigen Betrieb fast völlig lahm.verb
The unexpected breakdown almost completely paralyzed the important operation.
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