kneecap

[nee-kap]

noun

1. the patella.

2. a protective covering, usually knitted, for the knee.

verb (used with object)

kneecapped, kneecapping 

1. to cripple (a person) by shooting in the knee.

   Terrorists were kneecapping prospective jurors.

kneecap

/ ˈniːˌkæp /

noun

1. anatomy a nontechnical name for patella

2. another word for poleyn

verb

1. (esp of certain terrorist groups) to shoot (a person) in the kneecap, esp as an act of retaliation

kneecap

1. See patella

Other Word Forms

• kneecapper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kneecap¹

First recorded in 1650–60; knee + cap ¹

Example Sentences

After three months at the Y, I was walking home from dinner one night when I tripped on a crack in a sidewalk and fractured my kneecap.

From Los Angeles Times

“They hit you in the kneecaps when they know you’re already down,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The band's name is a reference to kneecapping, a punishment deployed by paramilitaries during the Troubles when they would shoot people in the knees.

From BBC

After helping carry Stern to safety, Camacho said he too was struck by a round in the kneecap.

From Los Angeles Times

These deals, a notable result of the pandemic kneecapping the movie theater business, haven’t changed much since they were first implemented at the top of the decade.

From Salon