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

The weight of terms like total paralysis, locked-in, and no cure was beginning to settle, dramatically reshaping our sense of the future. —Wash Westmoreland, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025

When your nerves aren’t able to communicate with each other, your muscles enter a state of flaccid paralysis, says McBride. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025

New York paralysis patient lifts cup using only his thoughts after receiving AI brain implant A year after a diving accident left him paralyzed, Keith Thomas is now able to grasp, lift and drink from a cup, thanks to advances in bioelectronic medicine. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Two days after revealing facial paralysis on the left side of her face in a harrowing video posted as an Instagram Story, former Teen Mom OG star Bristol Palin has come out with a bold new statement about her condition. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

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