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 The deputy suffered paralysis from the chest down because the bullet lodged in his spine. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2026 Rupert now requires nonstop care to manage his episodes of paralysis, seizures and serious medical emergencies. Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026 And settler violence has surged to frightening levels amid the paralysis and indifference of the police force. Avi Issacharoff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026 Contact with even a small amount sends an insect’s or tick’s nervous system into paralysis and death within seconds. Gavin Escott, USA Today, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for paralysis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paralysis
Noun
  • Military discharge records, VA enrollment details and disability information can expose veterans in ways many families never realize.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026
  • The changes to 529 plans over the years converted them from higher-education savings plans to accounts that can be used for any level of education and for job-training, workforce-development and disability-related training and education costs.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • Those with mobility impairments should confirm with the front desk that their room can be reached straight from the elevator without a staircase falling in between.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
  • Some employers are exploring approaches intended to better assess recent use, such as oral fluid testing, alongside observational or role-specific impairment assessment methods.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Back in 2024, Embiid battled the Knicks in a first-round playoff series months after left knee surgery and dealt with Bell’s palsy.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
  • Philadelphia will now play the New York Knicks in the second round, a rematch of a heated 2024 first-round series the Knicks won in six, during which Embiid played through Bell’s palsy.
    Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • His iron play has been strong enough to contend virtually anywhere on the PGA Tour, but the putter has remained the glaring weakness.
    Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
  • More striking than the national numbers is where the weakness is now showing up.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paralysis. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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