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

When tragedy ultimately strikes, paralysis is the commonality between each character, and the outlook for intermarried social warfare is decidedly grim. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024

The fear of job losses, combined with an uncertain future, can lead to anxiety and a sense of paralysis. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

The paralysis is likely to mean that an emergency budget will need to be enacted, and the budget deficit — at twice the limits imposed by EU treaties — risks going largely unchanged for nearly another year. —Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024

The company is currently evaluating the safety of its BCI, as well as its ability to control a computer in individuals with paralysis. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 25 Nov. 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