Definition of paralysisnext
as in disability
complete or partial loss of physical function (as motion or sensation) in a part of the body the car accident left one athlete with paralysis from the waist down

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of paralysis How to type with your mind A brain-computer interface allowed two people with paralysis to type with their minds, according to a new study. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 17 Mar. 2026 The fundamental sources of our troubles, going back half a century, are economic inequality, political paralysis, corruption, mass immigration, and cultural and technological upheavals. George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026 In 2006 a consortium of researchers called BrainGate reported that a BCI allowed people with paralysis to control a computer cursor and operate a prosthetic hand. Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2026 This technology is currently primarily aimed at helping restore quality of life for patients who’ve suffered things like spinal cord injuries, paralysis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or stroke damage. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
  • There’s a step-free entrance, accessible rooms for guests with disabilities, and step-free access to public areas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free in-person tax preparation to individuals with an income of $67,000 or less, who have disabilities or with limited English skills.
    Brian Sloan,Dan Avery, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Neither speed nor impairment appeared to contribute to the crash, Becchina said.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Insects guide robot design Results showed that the robot maintained efficient search performance and a high success rate even under sensor impairment.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Jackson died in February at the age of 84 following a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a condition similar to Parkinson's disease.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Jackson suffered from progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disease.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The shortage exposed a structural weakness.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Trump has defended his economic record, referring to concerns over affordability as a hoax and blaming weakness in the economy on Democrats.
    Shannon Pettypiece, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

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