noun

quadriplegic

kwod-ruh-PLEE-jik

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Quadriplegic (noun) means 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. Example: “He has been a quadriplegic since a diving accident at nineteen.”

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."

"The flat was adapted for a quadriplegic, with voice controls throughout."

adjective

Affected by paralysis of all four limbs.

"The injury left her quadriplegic below the shoulders."

How to use quadriplegic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who cannot move their arms or their legs.

When to use it

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.

Memory tip

Quadri- means four, so all four limbs; para- in paraplegic marks the lower half only.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

paraplegic → hemiplegic tetraplegic

Common pairings

became quadriplegic quadriplegic patient C4 quadriplegic

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

He has been a _____ since a diving accident at nineteen.

Etymology

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

Origin: Latin and Greek

Synonyms

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tetraplegic

Rhymes for quadriplegic

strategic paraplegic

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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.

What is the meaning of quadriplegic?

"quadriplegic" (noun) means 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.

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