paralysis

noun

pa·​ral·​y·​sis pə-ˈra-lə-səs 

plural paralyses pə-ˈra-lə-ˌsēz 

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

Synonyms of paralysis

• disability
• impairment
• palsy
• weakness

Examples of paralysis in a Sentence

The disease causes a paralysis of the legs.

The whole country is in a state of paralysis.

They are trying to end the political paralysis that has been gripping the country.

Recent Examples on the Web

But all 31 babies were hospitalized with the illness, which can cause a potentially life-threatening form of gradual paralysis in infants less than a year old. —NPR, 20 Nov. 2025

The right-off-the-road accessibility of Moab climbing area Wall Street has enabled him to take people with paralysis rock climbing. —Maya Silver, Outside, 18 Nov. 2025

The abundance of choices flips into decision paralysis. —Big Think, 16 Nov. 2025

In contrast, infant botulism is a serious condition that can cause a slow form of paralysis in infants, according to the CDC. —Evan Moore november 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing paralysis

• infantile paralysis
• paralysis agitans
• spastic paralysis

Rhymes for paralysis

• analysis
• dialysis
• cryptanalysis
• urinalysis
• electrodialysis
• haemodialysis
• hemodialysis
• microanalysis
• psychoanalysis

Kids Definition

paralysis

noun

pa·​ral·​y·​sis pə-ˈral-ə-səs 

plural paralyses -ə-ˌsēz 

: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving motion or sensation in a part of the body

Medical Definition

paralysis

noun

pa·​ral·​y·​sis pə-ˈral-ə-səs 

plural paralyses -ˌsēz 

: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the power of motion or of sensation in any part of the body see hemiplegia, paraplegia, paresis sense 1