paralysis

noun

pa·​ral·​y·​sis pə-ˈra-lə-səs 

plural paralyses pə-ˈra-lə-ˌsēz 

1

: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the motion or sensation in a part of the body

2

: loss of the ability to move

3

: a state of powerlessness or incapacity to act

Synonyms

• palsy

Examples of paralysis in a Sentence

The disease causes a paralysis of the legs.

The whole country is in a state of paralysis.

They are trying to end the political paralysis that has been gripping the country.

Recent Examples on the Web

Physicians contend daily with the gravest manifestations of human frailty—cancer, paralysis, and terminal illness to name just a few. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

The 6-year-old pooch still suffers from back pain and faces the risk of another IVDD flare-up, which could lead to further surgery, paralysis, or, in the worst-case scenario, the loss of his life. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

In uncontrolled doses or exposures, this toxin can cause difficulty breathing or paralysis–a disease called botulism. —Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024

As technology continues to advance and our understanding of creative psychology deepens, the tools for breaking through creative paralysis will only become more sophisticated and effective. —Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek, from paralyein to loosen, disable, from para- + lyein to loosen — more at lose

First Known Use

1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing paralysis

• infantile paralysis
• paralysis agitans
• spastic paralysis

Kids Definition

paralysis

noun

pa·​ral·​y·​sis pə-ˈral-ə-səs 

plural paralyses -ə-ˌsēz 

: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving motion or sensation in a part of the body

Medical Definition

paralysis

noun

pa·​ral·​y·​sis pə-ˈral-ə-səs 

plural paralyses -ˌsēz 

: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the power of motion or of sensation in any part of the body see hemiplegia, paraplegia, paresis sense 1