paraplegic

[ par-uh-plee-jik, -plej-ik ]

adjective

1. having paraplegia; paralyzed in the lower half of the body or in both lower limbs as a result of spinal disease or injury.

noun

1. a person who is paralyzed in this way.

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraplegic¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from New Latin paraplēgicus, from Ionic Greek paraplēgikós; paraplegia ( def )

Example Sentences

Joseph Tusia seemed to be running a legitimate business, hiring paraplegic employees.

From Los Angeles Times

Another whose 1-year-old son became paraplegic after a drunk driver hit the family car.

From Los Angeles Times

A mother of two has been left paraplegic after being shot by Iranian police over an alleged violation of the country's strict hijab rules, a source with knowledge of the case has told the BBC.

From BBC

"She is paralysed from the waist down, and doctors have said it will take months to determine whether she will be permanently paraplegic or not."

From BBC

The owner of a tattoo removal business admitted to defrauding Anthem Blue Cross out of more than $1.7 million, after lying about having nine paraplegic employees who required special health benefits.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• paralyzed