Disabled
/dɪsˈeɪbld/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
/dɪsˈeɪbld/
Having a physical or mental condition that limits movements, senses, or activities.
She uses a wheelchair because she is disabled.
💡 Simply: If someone is disabled, it means they have a condition that makes it hard for them to do certain things, like walk, see, or hear. Think of it like having a game with special rules that make it a bit harder for them to play.
👶 For kids: When a person has a hard time doing things because of their body or mind, we say they are disabled.
More Examples
The building has to be accessible for disabled people.
The government provides services for disabled citizens.
How It's Used
"The new law provides support for disabled veterans."
"Accessible ramps are designed to accommodate disabled individuals."
To put out of action; to incapacitate or make ineffective.
/dɪsˈeɪbld/
To impair the normal functioning of something.
The hacking group disabled the website's database.
💡 Simply: To disable something is like turning it off or making it stop working. Imagine disabling a game feature to make the game more balanced or taking the battery out of a toy to make it stop.
👶 For kids: To stop something from working.
More Examples
A storm disabled the power grid.
He was disabled in the accident and unable to walk.
How It's Used
"The system was disabled due to a security breach."
"The explosion disabled the ship's navigation system."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Disabled parking
Parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities.
"We were lucky to find a disabled parking space near the entrance."
From Middle English *disablen*, from Old French *desabler* ("to disable"), from *des-* (dis-) + *abler* ("to enable").
Historically, the term "handicapped" was widely used, but "disabled" is now generally preferred as a more respectful and person-first term.
Memory tip
Imagine someone unable to use their hands or legs; they are disabled.
Word Origin
"To make unable or incapable"