In standard definitions, the prefix "dis-" usually means "not" or "against."  However, I sometimes find it useful to use "dis-" as shorthand to refer to certain disability matters.  With that in mind, I have taken another look at some commonly used (and some not so commonly used) words in the English language.

In the following definitions, words following the letters "SD" are defined using the "standard definition."  Words following the letters "DD" are variations of those words or the same words (sometimes spelled a little differently, so look carefully) defined using "disability definitions."  Some new words of the "Snigglet" variety also may be included.

[NOTE: This probably will be an ongoing project.  I may edit or drop some definitions, and I certainly hope to add new ones.  If you would like to comment on these definitions and/or submit some of your own to add to this list, you can e-mail me at af752@lafn.org or  dhcpolwnk@yahoo.com.  If you are suggesting a new definition, please include a sentence or two giving me permission to use your suggestion as part of "Disability Definitions."  I will try to include the names of those whose definitions are included in future updates.]

SD: antidisestablishmentarianism (n.) — the doctrine that a particular church should be maintained and have pre-eminence over other churches.

DD: antidisestablishmentarianism (n.) — opposition to making buildings and institutions accessible to people with disabilities.

SD: despicable — deserving of contempt or censure.

DD: dispickable (adj.) — easy to identify because of a visible disability.

SD:  despise — to regard with contempt or hatred.

DD: dis-pies — pastries prepared as a dessert at a formal luncheon or dinner for people with disabilities.

SD: disabuse (v.) — to correct a falsehood or misconception.

DD: disabuse (n.) — bad treatment of people with disabilities.

SD: disadvantage (n.) — an unfavorable condition or circumstance.

DD: disadvantage (n.) — a so-called "special privilege" conferred on people with disabilities by laws protecting their civil rights.  This misperception is most common among people who know little or nothing about living with a disability and can contribute to distress.  (See below.)

SD: disappear (v.) — to become invisible.

DD: disappear (v.) — to exhibit a visible disability.  (The standard and disability definitions of this word sometimes seem interchangeable.)

SD: disappointment (n.) — failure to meet one's hopes or expectations.

DD: disappointment (n.) — an individual with a disability who has been named to a position of some significance and authority.

SD: disassembly (n.) — the process of taking apart.

DD: disassembly (n.) — a disability rights meeting or demonstration.

SD: disaster (n.) — great destruction, distress or misfortune.

DD: disaster (n.) — the repeated act of a disabled person losing their balance and

falling on their ass. (This definition was contributed by Sharon Drew.)

SD: disband (v.) — to dissolve or break up.

DD: disband (n.) — a group of musicians who have disabilities.

SD: disclaim (v.) —to deny or reject a claim or legal right.

DD: disclaim (n.) — an application  to receive disability benefits. (See also: disqualified.)

SD: discommode (v.) — to inconvenience or disturb.

DD: discommode (n.) — a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

[Variation: discommodious (adj.) — willing to make a bathroom accessible.]

SD: disconnected (adj.) — lacking connection.

DD: disconnected (adj.) — knowing individuals with disabilities and understanding disability issues.  Also, knowing about resources available to meet disability-related health and social needs.

SD: discord (n.) — lack of agreement; dissension; also, a harsh combination of sounds.

DD: discord (n.) — belt or strap that helps hold a person in place in a wheelchair.

SD: discount (n.) — a reduction in price.

DD: discount (n.) — the number of disabled individuals in a given area (e.g., city, state, nation).

SD: discourage (v.) — to make someone less hopeful.

DD: discourage (n.) — a characteristic of bravery that non-disabled people tend to attribute to anyone who has a disability and is trying to live a normal life. (See also: discredit.)

SD: discourse (n.) — conversation.

DD: discourse (n.) — an accessible path of travel.

SD: discredit (v.) — to damage one's reputation.

DD: discredit (n., v.) — the tendency of some non-disabled people to assume that people with disabilities are heroes simply because they are living normal lives; also, the act of applying that assumption.

SD: discrimination (n.) — the practice of acting on the basis of stereotypes and prejudice.

DD: discrimination (n.) — the tendency of some people to regard disability as a crime.

SD: discuss (v.) — to speak together about something.

DD: discuss (v.) — to curse the insensitivity of the non-disabled world.

SD: disfavor (n.) — the condition of being out of favor; disliked; disapproved of.

DD: disfavor (n.) — in the view of those who oppose disability civil rights laws, the act of making buildings and activities accessible to and useable by people with disabilities.

SD: disgrace (n.) — loss of honor or reputation.

DD: disgrace (n.) — ability to behave in a way that turns a stumble or faux pax related to one's disability into something that avoids making other people feel uncomfortable.

SD: dismiss (v.) — to direct or allow to leave, as in "class dismissed."

DD: dismiss (n.) — an unmarried female with a disability.

SD: disorderly (adj.) — not neat; messy; unruly.

DD: disorderly (adj.) — organized in a way that provides a clear path of travel for someone in a wheelchair; arranged to accommodate people with disabilities.

SD: disorganize (v.) — to destroy the organization of something.

DD: disorganize (v.) — to build a movement for improving the civil rights and independent living options of people with disabilities.

SD: disparage (v.) — to belittle.

DD: dispairage (n.) — a marital relationship between two individuals with disabilities.  Subject to penalty under government benefits programs.

SD: disparate — different.

DD: dispirate — a swashbuckling thief on the high seas who has an impairment.  Example: Long John Silver.

SD: disperse (v.) — to break up; scatter.

DD: dispurse (v.) — a bag, pouch or other container for personal items that is attached to a wheelchair, scooter, or walker.

SD: displace (v.) — to take the place of someone or something else.

DD: displace (n.) — all too often, an institutional setting for warehousing people with disabilities; i.e., a nursing home.

SD: display (n., v.) — to put on view (v.); the thing that is put on view (n.).

DD: display (n.) — a theatrical presentation about a disability-related theme and/or featuring actors with disabilities.

SD: disqualified (adj.) — declared "not qualified."

DD: disqualified (adj.) — deemed eligible to receive disability benefits.  (See also: disclaim.)

SD: describe (v.) — to give a verbal account or picture of something.

DD: disscribe (n.) — a person who regularly writes about disability-related subjects; also, a person who physically writes down what a person whose disability precludes writing has to say.

SD: distance (n.) — a measure of separation in time or space.

DD: (1) distance (n.) — a position assumed by a person with a disability to retain balance while standing up.

       (2) dis-dance (n., v.) — a modified form of dancing that includes people people with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs (n.); the act of dancing in this manner (v.)

SD: distract (v.) — to sidetrack or divert attention

DD: distract (n.) — a statement, pamphlet or leaflet containing propaganda regarding disability or people with disabilities.  Often attacks disability rights laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

SD: distribute (v.) — to give out in portions.

DD: distribute (n.) — an honor paid to an individual with a disability.

SD: distort (v.) — to misrepresent.

DD: distort (n.)  — a wrongful act, subject to a lawsuit, that violates the civil rights of a person with a disability.

SD: dystrophy (n.) — disorder associated with poor nutrition or impaired development.

DD: distrophy (n.) — a statuette, plaque  or other prize given to a person with a disability.

SD: distress (n.) — a condition of physical or psychological pain and suffering.

DD: distress (n.) — the stress imposed on individuals with disabilities as they try to cope with the stereotypes, physical barriers and social attitudes of the non-disabled world.

SD: indivisible (adj.) — not capable of being divided.

DD: invidisable (adj.) — having an invisible disability.

SD: rambunctious (adj.) — unruly or boisterous.

DD: rampunctuous (adj.) — excessively courteous in advocating for ramps and other accessibility modifications that already are required by law.

 
 

This page is Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000 by Laura Remson Mitchell

E-mail: af752@lafn.org or  dhcpolwnk@yahoo.com .

Last revision: June 11, 2000.

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