paralysis

pa·ral·y·sis

noun \pə-ˈra-lə-səs\

plural pa·ral·y·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of PARALYSIS

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

1. The disease causes a paralysis of the legs.
2. The whole country is in a state of paralysis.
3. They are trying to end the political paralysis that has been gripping the country.

Origin of PARALYSIS

Latin, from Greek, from paralyein to loosen, disable, from para- + lyein to loosen — more at lose

First Known Use: 1525

Related to PARALYSIS

Synonyms: palsy

Related Words: cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, poliomyelitis; debilitation, debility, decrepitude, enfeeblement, feebleness, frailness, frailty, weakness; infirmity, lameness; disability, impairment; diplegia, hemiplegia, paraplegia, paresis, quadriplegia, spastic paralysis

Near Antonyms: mobility, motility, sensation

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Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Rhymes with PARALYSIS

analysis, catalysis, dialysis