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)
Synonyms of paralysisnext
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

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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 sheer volume of information, often conflicting and overwhelming, can lead to compassion fatigue or a sense of paralysis. — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 Ski With the Matterhorn As Your Backdrop Photo: Getty Images As one of the premiere ski destinations on the planet, choosing which Swiss slopes to glide down can induce a touch of decision paralysis. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025 After mulling a proposal from the leaders of the men’s and women’s tennis tours to restructure the sport, the people in charge of the four Grand Slams have sent back a terse rejection that leaves the sport’s future in a state of paralysis. — Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025 Thousands of people a year in the U.S. alone fell ill with polio, a virus that can cause paralysis until 1955, when the country licensed its first polio vaccine. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 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

Phrases Containing paralysis

Rhymes for paralysis

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Browse Nearby Words

paralysis
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Cite this Entry

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paralysis. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of paralysis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paralysis

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