paralysis

noun

pa·ral·y·sis pə-ˈra-lə-səs

plural paralyses pə-ˈra-lə-ˌsēz

Synonyms of paralysis

: complete or partial loss of function especially when involving the motion or sensation in a part of the body

: loss of the ability to move

: 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

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.

Among ordinary Russians and civil servants alike, proliferating social controls and prosecutions for treason have created a pervasive climate of mistrust and fueled a sense of paralysis. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 Like, even just sitting with one of those things produces this paralysis. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Vincent Rutley will receive the Christopher Reeve Emerging Talent Award, which is presented to a rising actor living with paralysis and includes a $5,000 cash grant. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 Which should really send a shiver of age paralysis down every Millennial reader’s spine. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paralysis. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

paralysis

noun

Synonyms of paralysis

Examples of paralysis in a Sentence

Word History

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Medical Definition

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paralysis

noun

Synonyms of paralysis

Examples of paralysis in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing paralysis

Rhymes for paralysis

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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