leper

noun

lep·​er ˈle-pər 

1

: a person affected with leprosy

2

: a person shunned for moral or social reasons

Synonyms of leper

• outcast
• pariah
• reject
• castaway

Examples of leper in a Sentence

was treated as a leper after she leveled unpopular criticism of the beloved star

Recent Examples on the Web

Robin also strikes up a friendship with a soulful, philosophical leper (Murray Bartlett, covered in wrappings from head to toe), who somehow recognizes his good qualities. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026

Medieval Danish lepers were not excluded from high-status grave sites close to churches. —Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026

Having the virus was like being a leper. —Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026

The palpable aversion to what has become the enterprise software leper colony doesn't help tech's case either. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from lepre leprosy, from Late Latin lepra, from Greek, from lepein to peel; perhaps akin to Lithuanian lopas piece, scrap

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for leper

• lepper
• pepper
• stepper

Kids Definition

leper

noun

lep·​er ˈlep-ər 

: a person who has leprosy

Medical Definition

leper

noun

lep·​er ˈlep-ər 

: an individual affected with leprosy