quadriplegic

What is the opposite of quadriplegic? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.

Noun — A person who has lost movement and feeling in both arms and both legs, usually because of an injury to the spinal cord in the neck.

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A person who has lost movement and feeling in both arms and both legs, usually because of an injury to the spinal cord in the neck.

“He has been a quadriplegic since a diving accident at nineteen.”

tetraplegic

2. adjective

Affected by paralysis of all four limbs.

“The injury left her quadriplegic below the shoulders.”

tetraplegic

How to use quadriplegic

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

became quadriplegic quadriplegic patient C4 quadriplegic

Standard medical English. Many clinicians and disability organisations prefer tetraplegic (fully Greek) or person-first phrasing such as 'a person with quadriplegia'. Avoid using the word as a label for the whole person in careful writing.

Etymology

A hybrid of Latin quadri- 'four' and Greek plēgē 'stroke, blow', on the model of paraplegic.

Full origin of quadriplegic →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between quadriplegic and paraplegic?

A quadriplegic is paralysed in all four limbs, from an injury high in the spine at neck level. A paraplegic is paralysed in the legs and lower body only, from an injury lower down the spine, and retains use of the arms.

Is quadriplegic the same as tetraplegic?

Yes, they mean exactly the same thing. Quadriplegic mixes a Latin prefix with a Greek root, while tetraplegic is consistently Greek, which is why it is preferred in British and international medical writing.

Can a quadriplegic move at all?

Often yes. Paralysis is a matter of degree, and many people classed as quadriplegic retain partial shoulder, arm or hand movement depending on how high the spinal injury sits.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of quadriplegic