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

In the United States, there are currently more adults living with cerebral palsy than children.

From Science Daily

Bell's palsy is a type of paralysis that temporarily affects the ability to control the facial muscles.

From BBC

Despite being born "fit and well" Bradley was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

From BBC

Christiansen, who was born two months early with cerebral palsy, started riding aged six.

From BBC

Standing before TV cameras, Trump shuddered and stuttered, as if afflicted with palsy, making fun of the journalist whose articles he disliked.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• comfortable
• easy
• intimate