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 syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by facial nerve paralysis. —Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025

According to Gartner, 77% of B2B buyers report their last purchase as overly complex, arising from information overload and leading to decision paralysis. —Runki Goswami, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Justin has lost paternal figures in pastor Carl Lentz and manager Scooter Braun, and suffered partial facial paralysis, while Hailey launched her skin care line, fended off a feud with Selena Gomez, and was hospitalized for a mini stroke. —Stacey Leasca, Glamour, 21 Jan. 2025

But these problems with disaster relief don’t have to lead to paralysis. —Kelsey Piper, Vox, 15 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