Synonyms of quadriplegicnext
: one affected with partial or complete paralysis of both the arms and legs especially as a result of spinal cord injury or disease in the region of the neck

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Quadriplegia is the result of injury or illness, almost always affecting the spine. Though a paraplegic has lost the use only of his or her legs, quadriplegics are paralyzed in all four limbs. Today voice-activated wheelchairs help the quadriplegic get around, and houses can be equipped with similar systems to operate lights and appliances; monkeys have even been trained to assist quadriplegics with everyday tasks. The work of the quadriplegic actor Christopher Reeve has led to remarkable advances in developing new nerve connections, enabling some determined paraplegics and quadriplegics to walk again.

Examples of quadriplegic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Annette pointed out that even though her son was a quadriplegic, his mind was sharp. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 My makeup artist is a quadriplegic. Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 The victim, a quadriplegic, couldn't escape the building in time. Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026 My own mental health as a quadriplegic was strengthened by community. Joni Eareckson Tada, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quadriplegic

Word History

Etymology

quadriplegia, from New Latin

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quadriplegic was in 1921

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Cite this Entry

“Quadriplegic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quadriplegic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

quadriplegic

noun
: a person who is paralyzed in both arms and both legs

Medical Definition

quadriplegic

1 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or affected with quadriplegia
quadriplegic patients

quadriplegic

2 of 2 noun
: one affected with quadriplegia

called also tetraplegic

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