kneecap

Etymology

knee + cap

noun

1. (anatomy) The flat, roundish bone in the knee.
2. (roofing) A metal cover trim that fits over a panel rib after it has been cut and bent.
3. A cap or strong covering for the knees, used chiefly for horses, to protect their knees in case of a fall.

verb

1. (transitive) To destroy the knees of (a person), usually by shooting at the knees, as a punishment carried out by criminals or terrorists.
   The Sinn Féin press officer Richard McAuley freely admitted, “Back four or five years ago, people were getting kneecapped who should not have been kneecapped.” 2020, Liam Kennedy, Who Was Responsible for the Troubles?, McGill-Queen's Press, page 109
2. (transitive, figurative, by extension) To attack (someone) in a way that is excessively and needlessly damaging: To cut (someone) off at the knees.