Definition of "kneecapping" in English

noun

1. (gerund) The act of injuring the knees of (a person), usually by shooting at the knees; often a punishment carried out by criminals or terrorists.

   • The mafiosi punished the informer by giving him a kneecapping.
   • Five kneecappings have been reported this month.

2. (gerund, figurative, by extension) An excessively and needlessly damaging attack or disparagement.

verb

1. present participle and gerund of kneecap