1. past tense of kneecap: to shoot or injure someone in the kneecap as a form of punishment or intimidation
Usage: often associated with organized crime or paramilitary groups
2. past tense of kneecap: to deliberately undermine or sabotage someone’s efforts or position
Usage: informal; figurative use

Examples

• The gang member was kneecapped as punishment for betraying the organization.
• During the conflict, several informants were kneecapped by paramilitary groups.
• The politician felt he had been kneecapped by his own party’s lack of support.
• Her chances of promotion were kneecapped by the negative performance review.
• The startup was kneecapped by the sudden withdrawal of funding.
• Critics accused the administration of having kneecapped the investigation.