paralysis

[ puh-ral-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural pa·ral·y·ses [p, uh, -, ral, -, uh, -seez].

1. Pathology.
   1. a loss or impairment of voluntary movement in a body part, caused by injury or disease of the nerves, brain, or spinal cord.
   2. a disease characterized by this, especially palsy.
2. a state of helpless stoppage, inactivity, or inability to act:

   The strike caused a paralysis of all shipping.

paralysis

/ pəˈrælɪsɪs /

noun

1. pathol
   1. impairment or loss of voluntary muscle function or of sensation ( sensory paralysis ) in a part or area of the body, usually caused by a lesion or disorder of the muscles or the nerves supplying them
   2. a disease characterized by such impairment or loss; palsy
2. cessation or impairment of activity

   paralysis of industry by strikes

paralysis

/ pə-răl′ĭ-sĭs /

1. Loss or impairment of voluntary movement or sensation in a part of the body, usually as a result of neurologic injury or disease.

paralysis

1. The loss of voluntary movement in a body part. Paralysis results from damage to the nerves that supply the affected part of the body.

Other Words From

• nonpa·raly·sis noun plural nonparalyses
• semi·pa·raly·sis noun plural semiparalyses

Word History and Origins

Origin of paralysis¹

before 1150; < Latin < Greek parálysis, equivalent to paraly-, var stem of paralȳ́ein to loosen (i.e., disable) on one side ( para- para- ¹ + lȳ́ein to loosen) + -sis -sis; replacing Middle English paralisi ( e ) < Old French < Latin, as above; replacing late Old English paralisin (accusative) < Latin, as above; palsy ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of paralysis¹

C16: via Latin from Greek paralusis; see para- ¹, -lysis

Example Sentences

When we came together on Wednesday, there was a heaviness in the room and a sense of grief and loss and confusion and paralysis.

From Los Angeles Times

The campaign's message is that without fast action, dying from a stroke or being left with long-term issues such as paralysis, memory loss and communication problems, is far more likely.

From BBC

Lead poisoning can result in brain function impairment, fatigue, weight loss, paralysis and even death.

From Los Angeles Times

Here’s a look at whether recent development could be the beginning of the end of Lebanon’s political paralysis.

From Los Angeles Times

There is no cure for the disease, and paralysis caused by an infection is irreversible.

From BBC

Related Words

• apathy
• laziness
• passivity
• sluggishness