paralysis

noun

pa·​ral·​y·​sis pə-ˈra-lə-səs How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
plural paralyses pə-ˈra-lə-ˌsēz How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
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 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
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.
The breakthrough method holds the potential to one day help people regain function after paralysis. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025 This poor robot is discovering free will and decision paralysis. Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 Ray used a wheelchair due to paralysis and shared serious health issues throughout the years, including burns from a 2021 fire, COVID and pneumonia diagnoses in 2022, as well as pneumonia and a blood infection in August 2024. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025 Cawthorn had his feet on the dashboard when their vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier, causing partial paralysis for Cawthorn. Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paralysis

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of paralysis was in 1525

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paralysis. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

paralysis

noun
pa·​ral·​y·​sis pə-ˈral-ə-səs How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
plural paralyses -ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
plural paralyses -ˌsēz How to pronounce paralysis (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on paralysis

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