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 Consider the famous jam experiment: Too many choices can lead to overwhelm and decision paralysis, and where does that leave me? Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, 13 Mar. 2024 Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can damage muscles to the point of possible paralysis, cause difficulty breathing from weakened respiratory muscles and prevent kidneys from doing their job. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, starting in the 1940s into the 1950s, polio—a contagious viral illness that in its most severe form causes nerve injury leading to paralysis—would paralyze or kill over half a million people worldwide every year. Sari Beth Rosenberg, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 Automation solves the problem of paralysis in the face of too many choices, addressing the innovator’s dilemma by focusing on innovation with the best empirical outcomes. Marc Price, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Neuralink's goal with its human trials is to eventually enable a person with paralysis to use a computer or phone with their brain activity alone. Sarah Al-Arshani, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024 Now, 20 years after Christopher's death, comes the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which recounts the legendary film career of the Superman actor and the aftermath of his paralysis following the 1995 equestrian accident. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 22 Jan. 2024 Often acting fast and decisively is better than falling into analysis paralysis due to lack of perfect information. Abdo Riani, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Victoria Feige grew up as an avid surfer, but a spinal cord injury at age 18 left her with partial paralysis from the waist down. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paralysis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near paralysis

Cite this Entry

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paralysis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!