spastic paralysis

noun

: paralysis with tonic spasm of the affected muscles and with increased tendon reflexes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Over the past couple of months, Lizzo and Beyoncé were both called out for their use of a word that is considered a slur in the disability community that refers to people with spastic paralysis or cerebral palsy.

Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2022

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spastic paralysis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of spastic paralysis was in 1879

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Spastic paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spastic%20paralysis. Accessed 6 Dec. 2022.

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