disabled
Definitions
Having a physical or mental condition that limits movement, senses, or activities
残疾的，有障碍的
(Of a device or system) made unable to work; switched off
（设备、功能）已停用的，失效的
(the disabled) people with disabilities, considered collectively
（the disabled）残疾人（总称）
Root Breakdown
Root-deriveddis- (reversal) + able + -ed = made not able. From the verb disable ('take away the ability'). For people it describes a condition that limits activity; for devices it means switched off so it cannot work.
Root abil still carries 16 more wordsUsage Guide
- Sensitivity: 'disabled people' or 'people with disabilities' is preferred; 'the disabled' as a noun is common but some find it impersonal.
- Tech sense: disabled simply means 'turned off' (a disabled button) — unrelated to the human sense.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The building has ramps and lifts for disabled visitors.
- 2.
Notifications are disabled while you're in focus mode.
- 3.
The charity campaigns for the rights of the disabled.