kneecapping

noun2

1. •
   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. •
   (figurative) An excessively and needlessly damaging attack or disparagement.