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

The best part of the movie is Murray Bartlett’s wise leper, a man who for the vast majority of his screen time is covered head to toe. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026

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

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