paralytic

[ par-uh-lit-ik ]

noun

1. a person affected with paralysis.

adjective

1. affected with or subject to paralysis.
2. pertaining to or of the nature of paralysis.

paralytic

/ ˌpærəˈlɪtɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of paralysis
2. afflicted with or subject to paralysis
3. informal.
   very drunk

noun

1. a person afflicted with paralysis

Derived Forms

• ˌparaˈlytically, adverb

Other Words From

• para·lyti·cal·ly adverb
• nonpar·a·lytic adjective noun
• postpar·a·lytic adjective
• semi·para·lytic noun adjective
• subpar·a·lytic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paralytic¹

1300–50; Middle English paralitik < Latin paralyticus < Greek paralytikós, equivalent to paraly- ( paralysis ) + -tikos -tic

Example Sentences

“Every paralytic polio case means there are hundreds of children who are silently affected by poliovirus and are potentially carrying and spreading it throughout their communities,” she added.

From BBC

No associated paralytic cases have been recorded so far.

From BBC

There is no antidote to paralytic shellfish poisoning, but treatment involves supportive care and, if necessary, respiratory support.

From Seattle Times

"We find paralytic shellfish toxins in our shellfish pretty much year-round at this point."

From Science Daily

Autopsies of people killed by lethal injection have suggested that their pain was masked, rather than reduced, by paralytics.

From New York Times

Related Words

• paralyzed