kneecapping

== English == === Noun === kneecapping (countable and uncountable, plural kneecappings) (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. (gerund, figurative, by extension) An excessively and needlessly damaging attack or disparagement. ==== Usage notes ==== The literal sense of this term is considered a misnomer by medical professionals because only a very small minority of victims suffer damage to the kneecap. === Verb === kneecapping present participle and gerund of kneecap