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I cannot think of a proper noun to describe the physical state of someone who survived an encounter with a bear.

He is walking with a severe limp, and has wounds in his back, and his calf.

Therefore, could his condition be named an infirmity or rather weakness, decrepitude, feebleness? I know that these are mainly used to refer to long time illing people or elders who only stay in bed.

I appreciate any suggestions!

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  • Was it a recent mauling or is this a chronic result?
    – TimR
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 17:22
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    @Tᴚoɯɐuo a chronic mauling? I think this person needs to stay out of the woods. :)
    – Andrew
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 17:44
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    on his back and calf, and not in his back and calf.
    – Lambie
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 17:47
  • It is "on" indeed. :)
    – user65007
    Commented Dec 13, 2017 at 10:23

4 Answers 4

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I would say the mauling victim was maimed and partially crippled if these injuries are permanent.

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A person walking with a severe limp with wounds (or injuries to) on his back and calf would be called an invalid (as Andrew said) or disabled.

He has been or is disabled by his injuries. [verb]

He has a disability caused by them. [noun]

He is physically impaired or has physical impairments. [verb and noun]

disable impair

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  • This is a good answer, but be aware that "disabled" usually implies permanent and severe injury like loss of a limb or paralysis. Impaired is better to describe temporary injuries.
    – Andrew
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 18:19
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I would call this person an invalid:

Invalid (n): A person made weak or disabled by illness or injury.

After her terrible accident, she spent the rest of her life as an invalid.

Note the difference in pronunciation between this word and the adjective invalid (meaning "not valid"). Here the accent is on the first syllable.

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  • Welcomed suggestion! Fragility made it in this particular idea. Notwithstanding, your example is a good "synonym" (invalidity) that I happen to use in other text. The extra info it's very much useful. Thanks!
    – user65007
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 16:46
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    @sad "fragile" and "frail" are not really the best words for this context. I highly recommend waiting for other users' input before deciding on a particular answer.
    – Andrew
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 17:23
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    Yes, he is an invalid. In other words, he is not well.
    – Lambie
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 17:48
  • I shall use invalidity thereby. I have stared at it for good seconds till it less seemed too "strong" of a choice to my eyes. :)
    – user65007
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 18:08
  • @sad invalidity is not in common use. Also, I agree invalid might be too strong. Is there a reason you don't like the typical injured, hurt, or wounded?
    – Andrew
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 18:23
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You could use the word, 'frailness or 'fragile'? This gives the impression that he looks poor, wounded and given the bear, associates with ripped clothing as the homeless. Could also add 'ragged' but I'm not sure this will fit with the sentence provided.

"... Physically weak or delicate: an invalid's frail body; in frail health.

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    Frailness or fragility would do, I believe. As for the ripped clothes, that is expressly mentioned, alongside his condition. Thanks!
    – user65007
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 16:07
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    Yeah, thought ragged was a bit of a throwaway. I hope the first ones give you some ideas though, best of luck!
    – Tyler
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 16:11
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    It's been welcomed. Every suggestion can be useful in some other context. All the best!
    – user65007
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 16:18
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    I feel that "frail" (and the related "fragile") is commonly used for physical appearance or illness rather than the consequence of injury. e.g. "Amid many sufferings, however, and frequent attacks of sickness, he manfully pursued his course; nor was it till his frail body, torn by many and painful diseases ... that his indomitable spirit relinquished the conflict." It's the right direction, but not the right idiom.
    – Andrew
    Commented Dec 12, 2017 at 17:27

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