Disabled: meaning, definitions and examples
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disabled
[dɪˈseɪbld ]
Definitions
inability to perform a physical or mental activity
Having a disability means being unable to perform certain physical or mental activities to the same extent as others. Disabilities can vary in their severity and can affect different aspects of a person's life.
Synonyms
challenged, handicapped, impaired.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| disabled |
Generally used to refer to someone who has a physical or mental condition that limits their movements, senses, or activities. It is a widely accepted and neutral term.
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| handicapped |
An older term that is considered outdated and can be seen as offensive or negative. This word is less commonly used in modern contexts.
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| impaired |
Typically used to specify a particular type of disability, such as visual or hearing impairments. This term is clinical and neutral but context-specific.
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| challenged |
Often used as a euphemism for 'disabled,' aiming to focus more on the challenges faced rather than the limitations. Though well-meaning, it can sound patronizing if not used thoughtfully.
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Examples of usage
- Many people with disabilities face challenges in accessing public buildings due to a lack of wheelchair ramps.
- Employers should provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities to ensure equal opportunities.
- People with disabilities have the right to live independently and participate fully in society.
to make unable to perform a physical or mental activity
To disable someone or something is to make them unable to perform a certain physical or mental activity. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally, and can have significant consequences for the individual or object being disabled.
Synonyms
cripple, deactivate, incapacitate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| disabled |
Repeated word. |
| deactivate |
This term is used mainly in technical contexts, meaning to make a device or function inactive.
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| cripple |
This term is considered offensive and outdated when referring to people. It can also mean to severely damage something, making it unable to function properly.
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| incapacitate |
This term means to prevent someone or something from functioning normally. It's often used in situations involving injury or damage.
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Examples of usage
- The hacker disabled the company's website by launching a cyber attack.
- Accidents can disable a person temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the injury.
- War can disable soldiers both physically and mentally, leading to long-term consequences.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'disabled' originates from Middle English, with roots in Old French and Latin, meaning 'disadvantaged' or 'handicapped.'
- In the early 20th century, the term began to be formally used in legal and social contexts, particularly in relation to veterans.
- By the 1970s, movements advocating for disability rights began to emphasize the importance of perception and terminology in society.
Cultural Perspectives
- Many cultures have historically viewed disability through varying lenses, often viewing it as either a curse or an opportunity for wisdom.
- In several Indigenous cultures, disability is sometimes seen as a gift, offering specific roles in the community related to spiritual guidance.
- The social model of disability, introduced in the late 20th century, posits that disability is created by societal barriers rather than just individual impairments.
Literature
- Literature has long portrayed disabled characters; from Victor Hugo’s 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame' to the more recent 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio, showing diverse experiences.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters like Richard III with physical deformities often represented moral corruption, indicating historical biases.
- Recent literary trends favor authentic representations, focusing on individual stories and the varied experiences of those identifying as disabled.
Science
- Research indicates that people with disabilities can excel in fields like art, technology, and science, often due to unique perspectives.
- Advancements in assistive technology are drastically improving accessibility for disabled individuals, from adaptive devices to software innovations.
- Studies show that inclusive educational practices not only benefit disabled students but enhance learning for all through diverse perspectives.
Psychology
- Psychological resilience is often observed in individuals who face the challenges of being disabled, leading to greater adaptability overall.
- Mental health is a significant aspect of the disability conversation, highlighting the importance of support systems and services.
- The concept of 'disability identity' is increasingly recognized, where individuals embrace their challenges and experiences as part of their personal narrative.
Translations
Translations of the word "disabled" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desativado
🇮🇳 अक्षम
🇩🇪 behindert
🇮🇩 cacat
🇺🇦 інвалід
🇵🇱 niepełnosprawny
🇯🇵 無効
🇫🇷 désactivé
🇪🇸 desactivado
🇹🇷 devre dışı
🇰🇷 비활성화된
🇸🇦 معطل
🇨🇿 zakázán
🇸🇰 zakázaný
🇨🇳 禁用
🇸🇮 onemogočen
🇮🇸 óvirkur
🇰🇿 өшірулі
🇬🇪 გამორთული
🇦🇿 dəfə
🇲🇽 desactivado