palsy

¹

[ pawl-zee ]

noun

, plural pal·sies.

1. any of a variety of atonal muscular conditions characterized by tremors of the body parts, as the hands, arms, or legs, or of the entire body.
2. paralysis ( def 1b ).

verb (used with object)

, pal·sied, pal·sy·ing.

1. to paralyze.

palsy

²

[ pal-zee ]

adjective

, Slang.

1. palsy-walsy.

palsy

/ ˈpɔːlzɪ /

noun

1. paralysis, esp of a specified type

   cerebral palsy

verb

1. to paralyse

Derived Forms

• ˈpalsied, adjective

Other Words From

• palsy·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of palsy¹

1250–1300; Middle English, variant of parlesie < Middle French paralisie < Latin paralysis paralysis

Origin of palsy²

First recorded in 1925–30; pal + -sy

Word History and Origins

Origin of palsy¹

C13 palesi, from Old French paralisie, from Latin paralysis

Example Sentences

So, it’s possible that while the vaccines do spark some cases, rates of Bell’s palsy may ultimately be lower in vaccinated people than what might occur after a coronavirus infection.

From Science News

There have also been some isolated cases of Bell’s palsy, a temporary weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, in both vaccines’ trial participants.

From Science News

Of about 22,000 people in the phase 3 trial who received the vaccine, four developed a form of temporary facial paralysis called Bell’s palsy.

From Popular-Science

The FDA will also closely monitor for cases of Bell’s palsy, a temporary facial paralysis, as the vaccine is rolled out to more people.

From Washington Post

There were four cases of Bell’s palsy among people that received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in its trial and three in the group that received the Moderna vaccine in its trial.

From Washington Post

Ross has cerebral palsy, and the Pathways to Careers initiative of SourceAmerica helped him get his position.

From The Daily Beast

Belfort, not knowing they were time-release ludes, pops loads of them, and when they kick in, he enters “cerebral palsy” mode.

From The Daily Beast

They unplugged their cellphones from overloaded outlets so a girl with cerebral palsy could recharge her wheelchair.

From The Daily Beast

I'd been afflicted in June with Lyme's disease and Bell's palsy.

From The Daily Beast

Is his ailment more serious—say, a heart attack or stroke or even Bell's palsy, which left his face looking contorted?

From The Daily Beast

Nay, when I agree to do such things, may a righteous God palsy my right arm, and may the earth open and close in upon me forever.

From Project Gutenberg

Quin laid a quieting hand on her arm, which was shaking as if with the palsy.

From Project Gutenberg

He's jus like he had a stroke of palsy, hit's a wonder the mewel hedn't killed him stun dead.

From Project Gutenberg

At Todmorden a minister was struck with a violent fit of palsy immediately after preaching against the Methodists.

From Project Gutenberg

The poor man's hands shook as with the palsy, his step was unsteady, his eye dull and bloodshot.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• comfortable
• easy
• intimate