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 of paralysis

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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.
Washington’s paralysis has left local lawmakers to create their own playbooks to ensure robot cars at least follow some rules of the road. — Andrew Hawkins, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026 Usage can also lead to blood clots, asphyxiation, impaired bowel and bladder function and paralysis. — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 The siblings also ran to raise funds for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury through research and improving the quality of life for people impacted by paralysis. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 Since the late nineteenth century, raw white-lead was known to pose a substantial health risk to those exposed to it, prompting symptoms such as swelling of the brain, epileptic convulsions, paralysis, severe colic, and death. — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 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

Phrases Containing paralysis

Rhymes for paralysis

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Browse Nearby Words

paralyse
paralysis
paralysis agitans
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Cite this Entry

“Paralysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paralysis. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paralysis

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