Word: Paraplegic
Definition: The word "paraplegic" is an adjective that describes someone who has lost the ability to move their legs and lower body, usually because of an injury or damage to the spinal cord. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a person who has this condition.
Usage: - As an adjective: "He is paraplegic and uses a wheelchair to get around." - As a noun: "The paraplegic was determined to live an active life."
Example: - Adjective: "After the accident, she became paraplegic and had to adapt to a new way of living." - Noun: "The support group helps paraplegics connect with each other and share their experiences."
Advanced Usage: - The term "paraplegic" is often used in medical and psychological contexts, discussing rehabilitation, accessibility, and the social aspects of living with a disability. - In discussions about disability rights, you might hear phrases like "paraplegic rights" or "inclusion for paraplegics."
Word Variants: - Paraplegia (noun): This is the condition of being paraplegic. For example, "His paraplegia resulted from a car accident." - Paraplegics (plural noun): Referring to multiple individuals who have paraplegia.
Different Meaning: - The word "paraplegic" specifically refers to paralysis of the lower half of the body. It does not refer to paralysis of the arms or full body paralysis, which would be described by other terms (like "quadriplegic").
Synonyms: - Disabled (in the context of mobility) - Mobility-impaired (more general term)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "paraplegic," but you might encounter phrases like "overcoming obstacles," which can refer to challenges faced by paraplegics in their daily lives.
Summary: "Paraplegic" describes a condition where a person cannot move their lower body and legs due to spinal cord injury.