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

In a small percentage of cases, the virus can invade the nervous system, causing coma, paralysis or death. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 2 June 2026

In 2021, the music tycoon was diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a type of temporary facial paralysis, which forced him to postpone a portion of his annual pre-Grammys gala. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 June 2026

If enough receptors are blocked, then muscles will stop responding to nerve signals altogether until paralysis eventually follows. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

Hormuz reopening a key first step Both sides regard agreement on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a first step, after three months of paralysis in the critical waterway that has caused a sharp spike in the price of crude oil and other commodities. —Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 May 2026

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