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

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

When I met her she was a paraplegic; eventually she became a quadriplegic.

From New York Times

Related Words

• paralyzed