quadriplegic

[ kwod-ruh-plee-jik, -plej-ik ]

adjective

1. having quadriplegia; paralyzed from the neck down or in all four limbs as a result of disease or injury.

noun

1. a person who is paralyzed in this way.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadriplegic¹

First recorded in 1960–65; quadripleg(ia) + -ic

Example Sentences

Because Jenina, now quadriplegic, still needs care throughout the night, “I get maybe five hours of sleep a night. ... And when I’m tired that can compromise her safety,” Tyler Marik said.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From New York Times

Murdaugh also took money meant to care for a client who became a quadriplegic after a crash and a state trooper injured on the job.

From Seattle Times

Paul had survived a serious bout of polio, but had been left quadriplegic.

From BBC

Ellie has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which means she needs a wheelchair and a feeding tube.

From BBC

Related Words

• paralyzed