quadriplegic

noun

quad·​ri·​ple·​gic ˌkwä-drə-ˈplē-jik 

: one affected with partial or complete paralysis of both the arms and legs especially as a result of spinal cord injury or disease in the region of the neck

quadriplegia

ˌkwä-drə-ˈplē-j(ē-)ə 

noun

Did you know?

Quadriplegia is the result of injury or illness, almost always affecting the spine. Though a paraplegic has lost the use only of his or her legs, quadriplegics are paralyzed in all four limbs. Today voice-activated wheelchairs help the quadriplegic get around, and houses can be equipped with similar systems to operate lights and appliances; monkeys have even been trained to assist quadriplegics with everyday tasks. The work of the quadriplegic actor Christopher Reeve has led to remarkable advances in developing new nerve connections, enabling some determined paraplegics and quadriplegics to walk again.

Examples of quadriplegic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Marc Buoniconti became a quadriplegic following a spinal cord injury while playing in a 1985 college football game. —Miami Herald, 3 July 2025

Her stepfather, Roger, suffered a devastating fall, breaking his C5 vertebra and becoming a quadriplegic. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 27 June 2025

Here’s how homes for quadriplegics lost out on a raise after Californians passed Prop. 35. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024

Back home in America, Davenport presents the case of Michael Hickson, a quadriplegic who was denied medical care by his doctors. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

quadriplegia, from New Latin

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quadriplegic

• hemiplegic
• geostrategic
• strategic

Kids Definition

quadriplegic

noun

quad·​ri·​ple·​gic ˌkwäd-rə-ˈplē-jik 

: a person who is paralyzed in both arms and both legs

Medical Definition

quadriplegic

1 of 2 adjective

quad·​ri·​ple·​gic ˌkwäd-rə-ˈplē-jik 

: of, relating to, or affected with quadriplegia

quadriplegic patients

quadriplegic

2 of 2 noun

: one affected with quadriplegia

called also tetraplegic