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
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
But if temporary paralysis would suffice, Monsó asks, why does the possum bother with its far more elaborate display?
—
Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
Post Post Share Save Buy Copies Print Talk to a group of business strategists today, and many will tell you that their organizations are in a state of decision paralysis, overwhelmed by the implications of several of rapidly developing trends — AI, IoT, digitization, and 3D printing to name a few.
—Kaihan Krippendorff
robert C. Wolcott, Harvard Business Review, 23 Oct. 2024
After paralysis in her right arm and leg, she was hospitalized for two days.
—Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
The police were called and didn’t find anything, and Aline’s apparent paralysis resolved within half an hour.
—Popular Science Staff, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paralysis 
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Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
Post Post Share Save Buy Copies Print Talk to a group of business strategists today, and many will tell you that their organizations are in a state of decision paralysis, overwhelmed by the implications of several of rapidly developing trends — AI, IoT, digitization, and 3D printing to name a few.
—Kaihan Krippendorff
robert C. Wolcott, Harvard Business Review, 23 Oct. 2024
After paralysis in her right arm and leg, she was hospitalized for two days.
—Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
The police were called and didn’t find anything, and Aline’s apparent paralysis resolved within half an hour.
—Popular Science Staff, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for paralysis
Dictionary Entries Near paralysis
Cite this Entry
“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paralysis. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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