cripple vs weaken

cripple is a noun but weaken is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
cripple	Yes	No	Yes	No
weaken	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, weaken is a hypernym of cripple; that is, weaken is a word with a broader meaning than cripple:

cripple (noun)	weaken (noun)
someone who is unable to walk normally because of an injury or disability to the legs or back

cripple (verb)	weaken (verb)
deprive of the use of a limb, especially a leg	become weaker
deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless	lessen the strength of
	reduce the level or intensity or size or scope of
	lessen in force or effect
	destroy property or hinder normal operations